January Sunshine

As last winter was a cold, harsh and excessively snowy winter by Pacific Northwest standards, this winter is it's somewhat strange cousin. In the latter part of 2009 we experienced an arctic cold-snap that had me practically worshiping the moisture-wicking layers I purchased at REI the winter before (with the hopes of "going to the snow", forgetting that the snow was at my doorstep). During a single week we went from highs in the upper 40's to barely reaching 32 degrees, if at all.



Fortunately for my husband and me, that cold-snap disappeared just in time for our move. We've been back to more normal Seattle winter weather since then, filled with overcast days, drizzling rain, and temperatures reaching the high 40's.

But today the sun decided to show its warmth, and my kitties are thoroughly enjoying themselves.

We're Moving!

My Etsy shop will be on vacation mode for the next 2-3 weeks. Right during the busiest shopping time, I know, but it can't be helped, because we're moving!

My hubby and I have been wanting to move for most of the three years we've lived in this apartment. There were always practical concerns that prevented us. Could we afford it? Did we have time to go apartment hunting? Did we really want to pack up all our stuff? (I'm very averse to moving in general)

Last month we experienced an event at our apartment complex that scared the bejesus out of us. We no longer felt safe. We felt that our home had been violated (not our particular apartment, but the complex in general). So all of a sudden, those questions I posed above didn't seem to matter much. We were moving. After searching and coming up relatively empty-handed in our neighborhood of choice, I responded to a Craigslist ad and we went to see an apartment in an entirely different neighborhood. A neighborhood we hadn't really considered before. As soon as we walked through the front door, we loved the apartment. And we're moving into said apartment a week from today!





This is what Rosie thinks about us moving:


Actually, he really liked that couch, but we sold it. We've managed to fill our rather large apartment after three years, and since our new apartment is a bit smaller, we decided it was time to get rid of things. I'm heading over to Goodwill later to donate some of our stuff that we don't need. And then I'm going to buy some necessary ingredients for gingerbread cookies. Because as soon as we get into our new apartment, we're baking, decorating and eating gingerbread cookies while we watch Gargoyles. Yup, we're kinda strange like that.

Caramel Sticky Rolls

This morning I decided to make cinnamon rolls. After looking through my red Betty Crocker cookbook I found something similar called "caramel sticky rolls."



So I gave it a try. Betty Crocker has instructions for making the dough using a bread machine. One and a half hours later, the dough was ready to shape.



There is both a filling, and a topping, but because these bake upside down, the first thing that goes into the pan is the caramel topping (brown sugar, corn syrup and butter), along with some pecans.



Then the rolls go on top, and they rise for half an hour or so.



This recipe calls for a 9x13 pan, but mine is currently on duty in the fridge with leftover green bean casserole, so I opted for two smaller pyrex pans. Once they come out of the oven, you turn them upside down onto a platter and let the caramel drizzle down.





Yum...





Here's a link to the recipe on the Betty Crocker website.

November Sunlight

Yesterday was filled with family, cooking, eating, knitting and good times. Today is quiet, thoughtful, and filled with sunlight.

Today I am thankful for the sunlight.




I am working on a produce bag using this pattern.

Holiday Sale!

Just a quick update to let you all know about my Etsy shop's Holiday Sale. All coaster sets are now $12, and lanyards are marked down to $4.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade bethanthemum.etsy.com

watching the sun rise

I am a teacher. I live a hectic life. I often go to work in the dark, and come home in the dark. After the clock shift I have been getting to work in the early morning light, and so I began to notice the sunrise every morning. Depending on the day, sometimes I am still at home, and sometimes I am in the car. The first time it happened I was at home, and I felt so overjoyed that I ran to get the camera. I wasn't going to share those pictures online because, after all, who hasn't seen a beautiful sunrise? But some recent events have caused me to slow down a little, and appreciate the little moments of joy in my day. So I am sharing moments that brought joy to my heart, in the hopes that they bring joy to yours.

Halloween 2009

Just a quick post to share some pictures.

Friday I made a double-batch of my favorite cookies. (recipe at the bottom)


I love fall baking. Mostly because I love using these spices.


These cookies stay amazingly moist, and disappear quite quickly.


And because Halloween is just not Halloween without some pumpkin carving/decorating, I humbly submit the following...

My husband's R2D2 pumpkin.


And my winky pumpkin.


Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and sugars. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

I can't remember where I found this recipe, but it is amazing.

What is your favorite thing to bake in the Fall?