Return of the Dragon(fruit) and Treasured Times

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It’s been a very busy season of going back to school and adjusting to this new normal. The kids have been going to school in person 1-2 days a week, and the rest of the days are at home online learning. I’ve been like a teacher’s assistant guiding the lessons, an IT help desk navigating Tech issues, and a secretary keeping track of a schedule of zoom/google classroom meetings, in addition to all the other things Mommy’s do at home. Despite the craziness, I’m thankful to be able to be home with the kids in this season of life. I am thankful that I can be the one to help them and care for them through these inconsistent times and constant changes. I love hearing the little moments of laughter from them, and seeing the cute things they invent, and feeling their snuggly arms around me. These are treasured times! The mornings are hectic, but there are afternoons of slowness where we all settle down. Usually during their snack time, I let the kids watch some tv. I get some mommy time where I...
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New Baking Challenge: Macarons!

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I am a big fan of the Great British Baking Show on Netflix. I’ve always had dreams to try to bake what they feature during their different week challenges. I’ve long admired macarons and how they can come with so many colors and designs and fillings! But I have been intimidated to try to bake them. I’ve seen baking fails on the show and on Facebook baking groups, of how the macaron shells were flat or didn’t have feet or were hollow. I know that I wouldn’t learn anything if I didn’t at least try! This would be my first time making macarons. I’ve learned the most from facing a fear rather than running away from it. One of my happiest and most rewarding moments was learning to swim as an adult after being afraid for so long and after many, many beginner classes. 

I’ve learned so much about cooking and baking through trial and error and practice during this quarantine time. It’s made staying inside more fun to look for new recipes and challenge myself to make them. I’ve had fails, like the time the eyeballs fell off of my frog bread in the oven. Even those fails have brought smiles and laughs to those who’ve seen the picture below. I’ve also had successes and I enjoyed watching my family and friends see and eat the yummy creations I’ve made. I’m happy that I’ve been able to share both the mistakes and the good times on this cooking/baking adventure. Here’s to many more to come!


My Cute Strawberry Macarons

 I had limited time since the kids were playing and would probably call me for help at any moment. I used the macaron shell recipe from Preppy Kitchen. I like how it is really detailed in its explanation of how to make macarons. Unfortunately, I did not have time to sift the almond flour and confectioners sugar and go through the food processing 2-3 times steps. I think the macaron tops would have been smoother. I filled the macarons with store bought strawberry jam to save time. I used Wilton Candy Decorating Pens to draw and Wilton Icing Gel Colors mixed with Almond extract to paint the strawberries on the macarons. It was fun experimenting.

I bought both of these products from Michaels. 
Wilton also makes Edible Color Markers which would probably work too.

Happy Strawberry Macaron!

This macaron has feet!

Finally using the beautiful rose tea set that my husband gave me. 
The macarons pair nicely with it.


My frog bread fail. I think the photo is pretty funny though.

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