Jimmy and Sandra did their first full run this past weekend. They scheduled it similar to the time frame of the actual competition, except at night! Their first night started at 11pm and ended at 5am, so yea...I didn't go to sleep until Jimmy got home at that was around 7am!!! The next training day wasn't so bad because it was a Sunday and the college was closed so they got to get in earlier. That night I didn't get to sleep until 5 am. The kids didn't have a problem sticking to their schedule, just me because I was nervous and excited for them! I couldn't wait to hear about what worked and didn't.
After the second night, Jimmy brought home some finished products (cake and bread)! Chocolate cake for breakfast! I thought that his cake was a tad too sweet for me and I told him that I liked it better before, but he said that he didn't change anything...so then what happened? That is something he is working on this week. I really liked Sandra's bread, especially when it is toasted and topped with almond butter! I don't know what she's naming it but it has a hint of citrus and nuts (Sorry I can't be more specific, it is a competition item, but will give full details after it's done.).
We received a Chicago School of Mold Making catalog and samples of some of Jimmy's amenities for the hotel is in it! (page 172-173; if you have one and want to look it up) I like flipping through the catalog to look at the Sugar and Chocolate showpieces created by various pastry chefs. I'm an arts and crafts person and dream of using the various molds for other applications! The molds are way cool!
I can't believe that it is already fall. Yesterday, I started our holiday to do list and started to feel overwhelmed! I do crazy baking for the holidays because we make gift basket to send to our family and friends. This year I am skipping the experiments and sticking to tried and true favorites. I use vanilla sugar in everything I bake so I have to start flavoring my sugar now. All I do is split open a couple vanilla beans and place it in my tub of sugar. After a month the sugar is vani-licious! Jimmy is all about quality products and we only use Nielson-Massey vanilla products and extracts, so my baked goods always taste a little better than store bought versions! If you haven't tried their stuff, you should! It does cost a little more than the kind you get from the regular grocery store, but it is so worth it! You notice the difference as soon as you open the bottle. The vanilla extract is so yummy I just want to bathe in it! When I'm baking I actually dab a few drops on and spend the rest of the day smelling myself...silly I know! So now you know one of my secrets.
0 comments:
Post a Comment