Another friend(s), another birthday(s) = one big party = I'm baking again. One of said friends likes white chocolate, so I slightly modified a recipe I used this Christmas. Yum.

( Red, White, and Blue Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies )

Another coworker's birthday tomorrow. I don't know her very well, but I was looking for an excuse to use my mini-cupcake pan. Because I have one (two actually) and because I keep buying funky baking pans and not using them (I just bought two more up at the King Arthur's Baking Store in VT - among other things - think of this as my personal economic stimulus package). So I am determined to try a number of new baked things in various pans.

( Mini Mochachino Cupcakes )

Mom was heading off to vacation yesterday when she asked if I wanted some over-ripe bananas she was about the throw out. "Nah.... I don't really need.... er.... OK", realizing that today was supposed to be pretty damp and dark and perfect for baking. So of course the sun is bright and shining. But I still committed baking.

( Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Muffins )

Earlier this year, I decided to try, at least once a month, some kind of food that I never had before. In January I tried sardines (no biggie, they tasted like slightly oily tuna fish). And then I forgot all about it.

Until today. I finally got around to checking out the local British Grocery Store (what? your town doesn't have one?) and was fascinated by a can of soda: Ben Shaws Dandelion & Burdock. Now, I'd heard of dandelion wine [waves to Ray Bradbury], but dandelion soda? Had to try it.

It taste like Cream Soda. With a dash of cough syrup.

Gotta love the British. Though, any culture that considers custard to be a necessary food group can't be all bad.

I love blueberries. And I really enjoy making rugelach. So...

( Blueberry Rugelach )

Mom's up for a visit, so I decided to try a new method of cooking fish (well, new to me). I've known about cooking things "en papillote" (wrapped in parchment paper) for a while, but never tried it before. Tried it last night (using foil instead) and it turned out really, really good.

( White Fish en Papillote )

So, two weeks into the new job and so far so good. Having a steady paycheck again is wonderful. It just about counteracts the horror of the hour plus commute each way.

To celebrate, I decided to make pancakes for Sunday breakfast this morning. This recipe combines my weakness for arcane ingredients and my love for all things carb. It's also gluten free for those who care.

( Chestnut Flour Pancakes )

Today is my birthday and, if they can get the paperwork through quickly enough, I start my new job on Monday. Yay.

I made baked donuts. And ate them. Seriously, if someone doesn't hire me soon I'm not going to be able to fit in my business clothes. I don't think they make executive mumus. Sigh.

( Apple Cider Baked Donuts )

This stupid theme song has been circling around my brain all day. I have absolutely no idea why. So here.... the only way to kill an "ear worm" is to share it with as many people possible.

Click if you dare

And how the hell do you "meet" an earthquake?