A Frugal Chocoholic Plans Ahead

Chocoholic: "Yeah, I'll put them in the freezer and thaw one serving each day as a daily chocolate treat."

Chocoholic's friend: "So you'll have treats for three days?"


inspired by after-Christmas sales, best friends, and reality checks

Gifts That Give Back

Me: "Sweetheart, I don't think the phrase, 'Charity begins at home.' means you should buy me a stand mixture for Christmas to replace my ten-year-old handheld one with the burned out motor."

Him: "It'll make baking easier for you. You're welcome."

inspired by bakers versus consumers, productivity expectations and the division of household labor

Circumstantial Evidence

"Why are you asking me where all of the chocolate Kisses went?"

inspired by Christmas candy, suggested versus actual serving portions, and fuel for late-night baking and wrapping sessions

Holiday Baking Hacks

1. Use boxed cake mixes and cookie baking kits, but substitute melted (& cooled to room temp) unsalted butter for oil or half quantity softened unsalted butter & other half quantity shortening for shortening; milk for water; and add 1/2--1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract to make the results taste more like they're made from scratch. These substitutions may affect baking times, so keep an eye on the goodies as the timer counts down closer to the recommended minutes. Test as recommended by package instructions to make sure it's completely cooked.
2. Dip the ends or roll the edges of cookies in melted chocolate or butterscotch morsels. Let them dry on wax paper or parchment before serving/packaging.
3. Purchase holiday baking kits during this season's clearance sales and store in the pantry for next year. Make sure to check that the expiration dates extend through Dec. 2016.  

Happy Holiday Baking!