December 23, 2007

What better scents are there than the smell of cookies and cakes baking in the kitchen. And, after having survived a day at a very crowded mall, I am whipping up some batches of chocolate chip and sugar cookies right now.

Growing up, I remember my mother’s cookies and cakes. She was - and is - a great cook. We’d gobble up her baked goods faster than she could get them to cool off.

In years past, when I had much more free time, I was like my mother, and would go the length and make festive gingerbread men, wedding cookies, chocolate macaroons, applesauce cakes, and fudge. And the traditional chocolate chip and sugar cookies, too. Burned my fair share of them, too.

One year, I even made a gingerbread house from scratch - from a difficult German recipe I had stumbled upon in a book. It took a couple of days to finish, and I swore I’d never do another one. Good for my sanity, the house lasted several years.

Now, with less free time to make those wonderful baked goods, I typically resort to either the slice and bake variety, or those already ready for consumption. When it becomes a chore, it’s not so much fun to be stressed out. I know it’s sad and, maybe, one day, I’ll find the time again.

Well, my cookies are on the fringe of burning. Hope you have some homebaked goods of your own to indulge in this holiday season.

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