Sushi Dreams

Valentine's day reminds me of sushi- you either love it or you hate it and too much of a good thing can be its ruin. Unlike Sushi (mmmmmmm) I'm not a big fan of the holiday. I had to venture to the Monster Box last night for printer ink (which came in very handy for a much needed plan B at schooll) and as always it was easy to see the worst examples of societal cliches while I was there. People were running over other people with their baskets just so they could grab the last hideous pink and red stuffed 3 foot caterpillar. The recipient of which will no doubt love the thought and then end up giving said stuffed bug to charity during next years spring cleaning. Is it becoming clear that I have a negative view of the holiday? Well, then I read Abigail's thoughts on the day, I took a deep breath, and focused on what can be good about the holiday: sincere thoughts and homemade treats from loved ones.

Luckily I have a lot of creative and thoughtful people in my life that help to curve my cynicism.

These delicious treats almost didn't make it long enough to have their picture taken.

In other news... I taught art today!! YAY! I get such a high from teaching art. I compared Mexican Tile art to Nintendo Mario and then discussed the importance of perceiving color. As expected, a few students really liked it and some really didn't (hmmmm.. a lot of things are like sushi). What was great is that they all started to think about their color choice and made good decisions in creating their art works. What wasn't expected was a few a my peers openly bashing my lesson in front of the students. Knowing there are art teachers in the world who want every lesson to entertain the students and who don't take time to teach skills that are difficult is all the motivation I need to keep trying to become one who is different.

I think I'm going to wrap it up now so I can talk my sweetie into some sushi, of course, in an entirely non-valentine-date way :).

Cookbooks I Heart

So because I have work, school, a private student, some semblance of a social life, and trees, I haven't had much time for baking. It’s even more tragic when you consider the fabulous cookbook Jill got me for Christmas.

How cool is organizing a cookbook based on color?? It was always meant for me. I do have to give into Thomas in admitting that it is not exactly the most practical organization, but it does justify the hours I’ve spent pouring over each chapter. I now know roughly what recipes are included and where to find them. I was so infatuated with the book that I carried it with me everywhere over Christmas. During a family function, Anna took a peak and almost immediately exclaimed, “when you make these you have to share them with me!” And of course I was going to make them! How could you not? They have the perfect combination of buttery shortbread and sweet fruit flavors, oh and they’re totally cute.

The cookies haunted me for weeks. Every time I made a peanut butter and jam sandwich, I was pained by how much jam was actually left in the jar. It had not yet been unleashed and allowed to lay peacefully, sandwiched in layers of shortbread. But they haunt me no more! Last week, I finally gave up and made cookies instead of doing homework (it really wasn’t a difficult decision when I finally thought hard about it).

I think I cooked them too long, or maybe too fast. They shortbread texture was spot on, but it was hard to use the cookie cutters to cut out shapes. The shortbread tended to crack and the jam made the cookies stick to the cutter. I think it would be best to cut them in the 5 – 10 minute window after they’ve been removed from the oven. You have to let them cool some or the jam will spread everywhere, but too long, and the jam is too sticky.

Of course, it ended up best to simply leave one huge cookie on the counter and cut off pieces as you walk by J.

Aside from these cookies and some “quick-hour-long” brownies I made, there has been no baking…. And really, no blogging.

I can’t promise more baking, but I’ll work on the blogging!