Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Baking frenzy. . . . . .




Yesterday I baked all day - first a batch of eggnog and cranberry scones to give me 
strength, and to soak up numerous mugs of coffee, during a day slogging over a hot stove. 
They were OK but will probably require toasting to finish them up.  
Or perhaps even better, they will make a fancy Christmas dinner for the birds!




I also made this prune, apply, brandy cake - always a favorite to serve warm as 
a dessert, or keeps a few days to serve as a very moist cake which is what I'll put out
on the Christmas Eve buffet.
Another cake made - no pics yet, is an Earl Grey Teacake, which tomorrow 
will be wrapped in marzipan and iced, my smaller version of a fruitcake.
I finished baking the sweet things this morning - 3 dozen traditional English
individual mincemeat pies (these are all fruit NOT meat!). Tomorrow I'll make 
brandy butter to serve with them.
Last but not least, early in the morning, I'll rustle up a load of tiny piquant onion, cheese and 
olive scones to serve with a big wedge of yummy Stilton. . . . nice bottle of port alongside.
Oh Christmastime - you certainly keep us baking!





10 comments:

  1. Mom used to make a tea cake. I am searching for the recipe.
    Love the birdie with the musical wings!

    ReplyDelete
  2. All sounds wonderful, Mary. "Merry Christmas to you and yours." Hugs, Deb

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mmmmm how love scones and tea - the look delicious. I love that little birdie too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Christmas time does keep us in the kitchen a lot of the time. Your eggnog and cranberry scones sound delightful. I have a chocolate cinnamon babka rising in the kitchen. It will be yummy with tea. Wishing you a relaxing and joyous Christmas celebration, Mary. Thanks for the gift of your blog - always a delight to read throughout the year.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I must say, Mary, that you sound like some sort of kitchen Goddess! It all looks wonderful; in fact, if I lean out of the window, I'm sure I can smell it...mmm! Merry Christmas to you and your family and all the very best of everything for 2015. Thank you so much for all your wonderfully kind and generous comments - you know how much I appreciate them!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Mary, No one can keep up with you. I can just imagine that your neighbors are trying to be good friends with you so that they can be invited for tea and crumpets.
    Thank you for sending your lovely message this morning. I can't think of anything more special than you showing up at our door step.
    Wishing you and yours a most joyful Christmas. ox, Gina

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your baking sounds wonderful. Is the Earl Grey teacake the small fruitcake? Sounds fascinating!
    Yes, the baking continues. I have a German stollen rising in the kitchen right now. This will be for
    Christmas morning. I made small mince pies yesterday and we are nibbling them. Trying to teach
    D to nibble and not stuff the whole thing in his mouth, makes me smile. He and I enjoyed tea and a
    lesson on nibbling yesterday. Happy, happy holidays! xoxo m

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sitting here at 10pm I am now craving your baking!! Have a wonderful Christmas xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. You certainly have been busy. About those scones ... perhaps a big serve of brandy custard and a little Cointreau would help them suit the season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. …..well why didn't I think of that, great idea and many thanks Louise!

      Hope your Christmas has been full of special moments - best wishes for the New Year.
      Mary

      Delete

I would enjoy reading your comment - thanks so much for stopping by.