Hello, I’m glad you’re here. The best thing you can do for yourself to be organized this holiday season and well everyday is to plan your weekly meal plans. It’s never too late to give it a try!
I did some baking this weekend and once again it was a complete gong show. Seriously this always happens to me, thank goodness now I pretty much expect it and can just laugh it off. Trust me that wasn’t always the case.
The first recipe I tried were the Chocolate Cookies with Christmas Kisses. I did really well until I came to the end when I followed the instructions to remove the cookies to the wire racks after cooling on the pan for one minute. All was going well until I then added the kiss to the top of each cookie and pressed them in. Do you know what happens to soft cookies on a wire rack when they are pressed in? Yep you guessed it, they fall through, what a mess!! Needless to say my second batch turned out much better. Lesson learned.
Next up I tried to make some cake pops using a combination of this recipe and this recipe. I needed a special treat for the teachers at my kid’s school. Okay let me tell you something that most likely won’t be too popular but I have to say it (and yes I realize these are all the rage right now), cake pops are dumb. Am I the only living person who doesn’t like the taste of them? Not to mention that they are time consuming to make AND you have to have very specific ingredients. In other words don’t try these with chocolate chips as they melt too thick and you end up with a big fat huge mess, blah. You need to use candy melting chocolate as it is much thinner for dipping. Lesson learned. Only in this town I couldn’t find any melting chocolate (thank goodness I later found some in my pantry from BC!) NOR could I find a red velvet cake mix (do we even have this in Canada?) and had to sub in cherry instead.
Anyway I did what I could and they turned out okay. My family thought they tasted great, so what do I know. I prettied them up a bit to try to disguise my lumps and make them more festive. What do you think?
The free printable I used to make the label was from Crafty Carnival which you can find here, so cute! Here’s hoping the teachers like them 🙂
Anyone else have any baking mishaps to share with me to make me feel better?
My parents are coming this week to stay with us for Christmas. We are excited to show them our new house and town as they have not been here before. Woohoo!
On our menu this week:
Monday: Pizza Grilled Cheese with soup
Tuesday: Slow Cooker 40 Clove Garlic Chicken (family favorite!) served with potatoes and veggies
Wednesday: Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin (I might try this in the slow cooker instead) served with rice and broccoli
Thursday: Greek Pork Wraps (using leftover pork tenderloin)
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Basil Tortellini Soup (family favorite) served with Focaccia Bread
Simple Supper Sunday
WHAT’S ON YOUR MENU THIS WEEK?
Menu Plan Monday guidelines and banner selections are here.
Rita says
We have pizza every Friday night. Checking out your recipe after I post this comment. Thanks for hosting this!
Kelli @ 3 Boys and a Dog says
OMG! That candy looks FABULOUS! So, remember last week I said I only received 6 visits from your site last month so I had to get back to posting my menu plan? You will be happy to know that even though I wasn’t even close to the top with my link, I still received 163 visits from you last week. 😉
http://3boysandadog.com/2010/12/menu-plan-monday-less-than-2-weeks-until-christmas/
Laura says
Wow that’s very cool!!
Jessica says
Wow! I can’t believe the power of networking! I love the simple recipes you use in your menu plan! What I love even more is these look like recipes my kids will actually eat! Your cake pops look great, although I have to be honest…when I saw them being made on The Today Show, my stomach got upset just thinking about all of the frosting in them and how sweet they must be (I don’t like a lot of sugar or frosting).
The Happy Housewife says
I love all your baking. I was going to attempt cake pops this year too. I was thinking about snowmen, but now maybe not. I actually love the taste of cake balls- I thought they were similar to cake pops, maybe not?
Anyway, your commentary made me laugh out loud. I guess no guest posting for you on Bakerella any time soon. ;
Toni
Laura says
LOL, yes you’re probably right..hahahaha.
Oh and cake pops are just cake balls on a stick.
SnoWhite says
What a yummy week!
I’m looking forward to trying the fococcia bread, as well as the garlic chicken!
And… I’m with you — not a big fan of cake pops.
Laura says
Yay, I’m not alone!!
Char says
The cookies look yummy! I have decided that instead of making even more sugary treats for the teachers and friends this year, I am making savory treats like spiced nuts, homemade chex mix, and the most amazing ranch pretzels.
Have a great week!
Laura says
Such a good idea!!
Tiffany says
Your candy and cookies look great! I cannot make pretty food at all. It tastes good, but mine are not pretty.
Laura says
LOL…I have learned that you can disguise the taste of just about anything by making it look pretty. I learned this from my chef brother in law who can even make Kraft dinner taste good! hahahaha
Lynn says
I think your cake pops look great. At least the rest of your family enjoyed them. 🙂 I keep seeing everyone trying them, and have even seen some gluten free versions, but I have yet to make them. Have a great week!
Laura says
I’m pretty sure I won’t make them again…although I always say that and then do so you never know! 🙂
Laura @ nms says
I confess, I didn’t even know what cake pops were! The chocolate cookies look lovely though 🙂
Liz@HoosierHomemade says
All of the baking and the cake pops look great! I didn’t have much luck when I made them either. I think I’ll stick to cupcakes 🙂
Have a great week! Thanks for hosting!
~Liz
Laura says
Okay you have no idea how much better you made me feel…I mean you are the baking queen after all! I think part of my problem was I made them too big. They probably would have been easier to work with had they been smaller.
Liz@HoosierHomemade says
You are too sweet! Thanks so much! I think when I made them, I didn’t let them freeze long enough. I’m always in a hurry with everything. They do take some time.
Laura says
Oh yes I can soooo relate! I’m the same way with sugar cookies that you have to let chill before cutting out, no patience here LOL
Heather says
I haven’t done enough baking this season to share any stories of flops. I think your cookies and pops look delicious. I’d say you recovered from it in fabulous style. 🙂
Laura says
Pretty presentation hides all sorts of errors…it’s my little secret hahahaha
Miranda says
Yes, unfortunately, baking does not always happen like we want them to. I had to make 2 batches of my Peanut Butter Cup-Cakes this weekend before they were eatable/blog worthy 🙂 But I love that you said those pops were time consuming, I was considering making those, but now I may re-think that!
Laura says
I think I’m just inpatient with anything that has to freeze in between. I feel the same way about sugar cookies….ugg 🙂
Cindy says
Those cookies look so yummy! I have to agree with you on the cake balls/pops though. How some people get them all nice and smooth is beyond me. Living in Canada myself, I do have to say that I’ve never seen Red Velvet cake mix either. As for the melting chocolate, they have some at the Bulk Barn or Michael’s.
Laura says
Yes the smooth part was tough for sure (I’m now in super awe of those that can do it). Next time I’m in the city I will definitely have to pick up some melting chocolate. I want to make some peppermint bark next. A very simple treat 🙂
Linda G says
I like they way all your baking looked and I’m sure they tasted great! Who doesn’t love a home-made gift?? Congrats and enjoy all the compliments you get on them!
Laura says
LOL, I figure as long as they look okay then that might disguise the taste a little bit. It’s a great trick! I’m wishing I’d thought to put some Christmas sprinkles on them or something though, that might have helped 🙂
Allysgrandma says
I think my family would be perfectly happy with your menu plan this week. I think I will copy it as much as I can!
Laura says
That’s the way to do it! The best part of menu plan monday is “borrowing” menu plans and ideas off others, I love it 🙂
kat says
Cute cookies!
Laura says
Thanks Kat!
Queen of the House says
I just took a peek at your Bread machine Focaccia Bread recipe. Yum! I LOVE my bread machine! I find I use it much more in the winter months now. 🙂
Laura says
Love, love, love my bread machine. Especially for dough. If you try the Focaccia bread, would love to know what you think of it.
Margery says
Those cookies look real yummy, a great idea just in time for baking day tomorrow.
Laura says
Yes the cookies were pretty easy to make up and I like that they look Christmasy. Enjoy!
Miz Helen says
The cookies are great very festive. Thanks for sharing your recipe and hosting us today. You have a wonderful week.
Laura says
Thanks so much Miz Helen, you too!
Dellene says
Hello I hope its ok that I’m returning after such a long break 🙂
Laura says
Of course Dellene! Welcome back!!
Tanna says
Oh I love the cake pop idea! We made about 50 dozen cookies this weekend. 5 different types. We pass them all out to neighbors and family. I didn’t even think about baking for the teachers… I got them labels. 😉
Laura says
LOL…labels are an awesome gift idea!! And 50 DOZEN are you kidding me? I would have died….
Tanna says
Yea now if I can just keep myself from eating the ones we left for us. 🙂
Maybe those are the ones I need to take to teachers. Hmmm.
Crystal & Co says
Those chocolate cookies with red and white kisses on top would not last 5 minutes in my house! We’ve gotta try those!
And the 40 clove garlic chichen is on my meal plan this week too! We are totally a garlic family. Yum!
Laura says
Love garlic so much!!
Corrie says
I must be living in the dark ages as I’ve never heard of “Cake Pops” – they sound silly but I’m sure kids love them… Yours looked great!
Baking mishaps are big in our house too… My son once dumped an entire bottle of vanilla into a batch of muffins… Turned out to be the best muffins we ever made… The 1/2 box of baking soda made for REALLY puffy biscuits. Cooking with toddlers means not turning your back for 1/2 a second!
Everything looks great – thanks for hosting!
Laura says
Oh my goodness, those are some great mishaps 🙂
Kristina says
Your cookie creations look really good. I like to make cookies for Christmas presents b/c we have so many people in our family. I will def be adding the hersey kiss cookie to the list. I like the looks of your bread recipe also. My husband really likes my home-made pizza so I’m going to give this a try. I grow herbs and I’m always looking for ways to use them. This seems like a good bet for rosemary.
Laura says
It’s so delicious!!
Mrs. Fuzz says
Your cake pops look cute! I made some recently and they were all clumpy. I made lemon ones and I could only eat one because they are so rich and sweet and I think I have a texture issue. It’s so moist that it’s not really cakey. Hard to swallow. 🙂
Laura says
Mine were really clumpy as well, I really had to work them and yes so very sweet.
Courtney says
I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one who does not like cake balls. It was the baking disaster of 2010 and they all ended up in the trash. I used the chocolate chips too and it was too thick.
Laura says
So nice to know I’m not alone!!!
naomig@the happy sanitarium says
I am SO with you on the cake pop dislike. I deliberately click the X on the computer screen if I ever am reading a blog or whatever with pictures of them, because I know my daughters would want them if they ever saw them. They look like a huge pain in the neck to me, and I personally eschew cakes and frosting that comes in boxes. 🙂
Laura says
So agree, I definitely don’t think I’ll make them again but I really did want to see what all the fuss was about. Not worth it.
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
I don’t get the cake pop rage either, other than the fact that they can be cute. But if I’m going to spend the calories, give me a pure chocolate truffle any day (and boxed up, they can look sweet, too!). But I’m biased, as I can’t stand the flavor of cake mixes or canned frostings…
Yours do look great, though, I’m sure the teachers will be touched that you spent the time!
Laura says
Oh I hope so, my husband really liked them so that’s a good sign. I think I’m like you and just don’t like the taste of the mixes and canned frosting. Not my thing, I’m more of a salt girl!
The Saved Quarter says
The cake pops are too darn cute! What a fun little gift!
Living the Balanced Life says
My daughter makes cake balls, which I am guessing are similar to cake pops. Hers are awesome, and she does use a base cake mix, but has experiemented with all kinds of flavors, from orange creamsicle to creme’ brulee! One thing for sure, you can only eat one! Very rich!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/six-steps-to-a-saner-christmas-part-2/
Laura says
Yes that’s what I found. I’m not much of a fan of sweets, I really like the salty stuff instead 🙂
Vanessa says
Love the peppermint kisses, but haven’t been able to find them here in Ottawa – where did you get them???
Laura says
I just got them at Walmart when they were on sale for three something. They have all the different flavors.
Sarah says
The pizza grilled cheese looks so good! I think I will be making that for a weekend lunch.
Kristy @momhatescooking says
We must of been following the same recipe this weekend for cookies with Hershey Kisses! I did the same thing where it said to push the kiss into the cookie, but the recipe I read said to put them back into the oven. Umm…I should of known right? Chocolate back into the oven? That equals a lot of melted chocolate…good but melted. Will be trying again! 🙂
Sarah says
Ha! I love cake balls, and the in-laws have been known to fight over the last one, but I think putting them on a stick and decorating them within an inch of your life is waste of time. The rate at which they get inhaled, what’s the point in making them look good?
More than half of our Christmas baking has been done by the husband because my work schedule has been insane, and…um…not that I don’t appreciate the help, but…one of the recipes I am going to redo myself if there’s time. It’s supposed to make 72 cute little chocolate-peppermint pinwheels–there’s even a photo–and although what he produced tastes fantastic, there are only 20 of them. They’re…um…they’re not “cute,” let’s say that.
That being said, all the rest look and taste great! At 20 batches down, we’re about halfway through the list.
Susie's Homemade says
The cake pops are hard to make and I am with you on the flavor too!
http://susieshomemade.blogspot.com/2010/12/menu-planning.html
LisaC says
I have never seen Red Velvet Cake mix in the US. I’m guess it is only available regionally, or that Red Velvet is so sacred that it can only be made from scratch! 🙂
Shannon says
Your cake pops look great and I bet they taste awesome:) But I totally understand what you mean – they are so hard to make. I tried it once and thought am I the only one out it blog land that cant make these? I seriously thought so:)
Anna says
I’ve made cake balls & thought they were fun since it is just cake mix, frosting, & melting chocolate and there are lots of fun to mix & match flavors. I used cherry chip cake mix for mine. They are a pain to roll & dip though and quite time consuming. Not all were round & smoth but I put them in the mini cupcake papers to disguise imperfections! One little trick that I like when using chocolate chips for dipping things is to add some vegetable oil to thin out the chocolate. It works really great!
Ambia says
I just finished my big baking day. I make trays of cookies for my family to take to their jobs, schools… Every year I get the urge to dip things in chocolate and EVERY year, without fail, I remember how much I hate doing it! I made cake balls, too. Not a huge fan, but they turned out ok. Yours look great!
Tabitha Kokoska says
I think the candies look great! I am waaaay into baking and have recently gotten myself into 3-D/Fondant cake making craze. I’ve had baking mishaps that I would really like to forget, but many of them turn out great. The cake-pop thing is sooo big right now, but what some of me and my friends do to make it easier is skip the lollipop stick and make cake balls…we place them on confectionery papers or cupcake cups. The presentation isn’t as nice, but it’s a little less stressful. Love the labels!
Another tip – when I have leftover cake from a shaped cake or something, I use the cake pieces to make cake balls for a little something extra.
Elizabeth says
I’m completely enamored with the idea of cake pops, and have made them a few times; however, they are quite difficult and require practice. If you do not like the flavor of red velvet cake, or cannot find it, any other cake will work. Also, I used the Wilton candy melts, and thinned it down with a few teaspoons of oil.
Here is a link to my cake pops:
http://stitchndish.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/cake-pops/
Love reading your blog, especially Menu Planning Mondays.
Kristi Wright says
I am so glad I tripped onto your site. I needed a cookie recipe for tomorrow and yours are beautiful. Going to try them. Also love the menu planning links. Thanks so much!
Wendy @ Celiacs in the House says
Got here too early Monday morning to link up and never made it back. Ahh the holidays. Baking disasters–When I first tried almond flour, I burned a whole batch of tart shells waiting for them to brown. Almond flour goes from perfect to charred in a hurry if you get distracted. Gluten-free baking uses expensive ingredients and I almost cried.
Susanne says
You and I could probably write a book on the gong show aspect of our baking (mis)trials. Remind me to tell you sometime about the Maple Apple Cake I tried. Looked and tasted good but boy oh boy the process to get there.
You’ve just reminded me to cook that chicken. Haven’t made it in awhile! :v)