November 1, 2011

How to Use Up Dairy-Based Condiments {Naptime Simple Tips}

Condiments

About once a month I open my refrigerator to see half-used containers and cans of condiments that are perilously close to their expiration dates. It may be a tub of sour cream that I used for a cake two weeks ago, or a tub of yogurt we haven’t quite finished up. Whatever it is, I hate (hate!) to waste it. My parents always taught me to “waste not, want not” when it came to cooking and baking and that included the simple things like basic dairy-based condiments. Sure, it would be easy to flush them down the drain before they go rancid, but I find it easier, and less wasteful, to build recipes specifically around what I need to use up. This can be tricky to do with dairy which is why I thought I’d share some of our favorites for using up little bits of this and that lingering in the fridge instead of letting them go to waste.

October 29, 2011

Babble Weekly Round-Up

October 27, 2011

Canning Apple Pie Filling with My Dad {Naptime Webisode}

In today’s naptime webisode I am canning apple pie filling with my Dad. As most of you know, I love canning with my Dad. And, despite the fact that he bought me my very own canning equipment for our home in Connecticut, I still like to do it with him when we visit Cooperstown. In this webisode you’ll notice my lips moving while I talk over the picture, that is because Dad and I were chatting the entire time we did this project. We were catching up on all the news around town and, of course, all the happenings at pre-school here in Connecticut. Our canning projects are more than just the chance to preserve delicious food, they are our time to catch up with each other.

October 26, 2011

Gingersnap Caramel Sandwich Cookies for the Bake Sale {Naptime Entertaining}

Sandwich Cookies The Occasion: Daughter’s pre-school bake sale!

Menu: Gingersnap Caramel Sandwich Cookies, Molasses Cookies from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer cookbook and 1 batch pumpkin bars.

Attendees: The masses.

Naptime Goals: Bake everything!

I have done a banner job of overcommitting myself this year. The second I am done with one event it is on to the next. I am not complaining in the least, but I do get tired once in a while. Last week was a particularly strenuous one. I prepared for a Halloween cupcake decorating party, immediately followed by my daughter’s school bake sale. For my contribution to the sale I baked a sweet snappy cookie that reminds me of fall, the gingersnap. To give it an extra flavor boost I sandwiched some caramel buttercream in the middle and bagged them up.

October 25, 2011

BOO! Mummy’s Rummy Milkshakes {Powernap}

milkshake This is the latest installment of my Powernap column. The series where I share quick, easy food that can be made for all kinds of situations. Powernaps are short and sweet, and so are these recipes. These are the things I make in a jiffy when I need a quick snack, am in the mood for a recipe experiment, or simply need to clean out the pantry.

Today’s Powernap: I need to develop a delicious fall cocktail for a friend’s upcoming birthday party. Given the fall mood, and her known love for White Russians, I want to make something smooth and a tad sweet with a truly spooky appeal to match the season.

I am not really much of a heavy cocktail person. If and when I drink it is usually a glass of wine with dinner. However, when it comes to throwing parties I make an exception. I think a signature cocktail can be a fun way to set the mood for a party or celebration. Last New Year’s I was all about Filthy Fizz and in the summer I am happy to spike the lemonade. For this occasion I was thinking about a friend’s upcoming birthday and wanted to make something smooth and silky with just the right amount of sparkle to fit the mood.

October 24, 2011

Pumpkin Challenge & King Arthur Flour Giveaway Winner!

Pumpkin Week

Congratulations to Molly, the winner of the Pumpkin Week Challenge!  Be sure to tune in next month for another fun naptime cooking challenge and great giveaway!

October 22, 2011

Babbly Weekly Round-Up