And This!

Remember when I posted about this site? Well, Orangette has a book coming out in March! I want this book. Think on it.

Not Extreme Cakes, But...

Pictures from a dessert party that I hosted - there were a total of nine different desserts, all made by yours truly:

Chocolate cake with raspberry filling and chocolate cream frosting
Almond cake with lemon curd filling and vanilla buttercream
Pecan tarts with chocolate drizzle
Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
Cheesecake bites with orange cream buttercream
Apple pie
Pecan pie
Oatmeal cookies
Nutmeg shortbread

Comforting, To Say The Least

A few months ago, someone introduced me to Orangette. I love this site. Unfortunately she does not update her posts daily, but when she does, it's always spot-on.

This was truly the best time of year to come across this site. All comfort food, all the time. (for now...) I've tried out several of her recipes, and they're wonderful every time. Now when she posts about something out of the ordinary, I don't hesitate before running to the grocery store. Her recipes are simple, inexpensive (except in the case of a really delicious triple cream cheese or two....), and oh-so-delightful.

Of course the conversations are always entertaining.

"What are you making?"
"You'll see. It's going to be epic."

chopping, braising, serving....

"Um, what the hell is this??"
"Just try it. Trust me on this one."
"Wow. That's really good."

Every time. Seriously.

I haven't tried out her most recent recipe - just not in the mood for a crisp refreshing salad, but her others are good enough to make again and again until the salad craving kicks in.

The ones I've tried (which are now favorite recipes):

Tomato Soup with Red Onion and Cilantro Stems
(Finally, a reason to keep the stems!)

Lima Beans in Cream
(Don't question it. Just make it and try not to cry when you taste it.)

Savoy Cabbage Gratin
(Melty deliciousness....)

So, get to it, and thank me when you're done.

The Next Chapter

1. Kim, you need to be more mindful of what you're doing when you're sitting at the front desk. When you put your elbow up and rest your chin in your hand, it makes you look tired. You don't want to be giving off the impression that you're tired at work.

I don't think the UPS guy gives a shit if I'm tired. And since he's the only one who ever comes in the front door.....

2. Wow. We went through a lot more toner than usual this last month, Kim. Maybe you should start keeping an eye out when people are using the printer to try to get an idea of what it's being used for.

Yeah. Better yet, why don't I send out a memo asking everyone to email me when they're about to print something so that I can run down the hall to watch what comes out of the machine!

Extreme Cakes?

Okay, now this is just cool.  Thank you cakewrecks for sharing this video!

And here's where you can see the behind-the-scenes stuff.  Brings extreme cakes to a new level!

Ahead of Schedule

Is it too early to post Christmas present ideas?

• These are so pretty! I love everything in their collection, but the cake plates are especially tempting.
  
• Still holding out for this shower set.
  
• Gift Cards! Business as usual: Here. Here. Here.
  
• I'm planning to expand my garden next year. A couple of these would be awesome.

Alright, that's all I have for now.

I'm Just Sayin'....

For those of you who are angry, shocked, ashamed and sickened....You're about 4 years behind schedule.

This is "An historic moment that none of us will ever forget.
...I'm sorry, but this is a day a lot of people never thought they'd see...what a monumental moment for America."

~As stated by The Superficial Writer, and felt by a land-slide inducing majority.

Stuck in The Middle

Email conversation:

Me to J: So, the manuals I shipped to you yesterday were damaged by UPS. They're sending them back to us. I know you needed them for your training - any thoughts?

J to Me: Go ahead and send me four more - next day air

Me to D: J's asked if I can send replacements next day air. Assuming I need approval due to cost of shipping.

D to Me: No, just send them ground. The classroom portion is where they use the training manuals, and that finished today.

Me to J: D says I can just send them ground since you're done with the classroom portion of training.

J to Me: No, ground shipping won't get them here until next week - I'd like them to arrive before I head back home.

Me to D: J wants the manuals before he leaves the site.

D to Me: Ground will be fine. J will just have to tell the trainees that the manuals will arrive next week.

Me to J: Alright. This isn't working. D says they need to go ground. You will have to discuss this further with D directly if you want them sent next day air.

J's Manager to Me: I just received an email from J. Please just send the manuals next day air.

OH MY GOD THE HELL!!!!

Weekend Recap!

We had a good weekend. Halloween was tons o' fun, and the costumes were low-stress:


I find it amusing that Nick and I never mean to have coordinating costumes, but somehow always manage to!

Saturday evening was a surprise 75th birthday party for Nick's grandfather. I was asked to make dessert - German Chocolate Cake - his favorite! I was happy with how it turned out looks-wise, and he was thrilled with the taste factor!