Thursday, December 28, 2006

A gourmet Christmas in the 'shwa

It's been a gourmet Christmas for us in the 'shwa in that most of our gifts have been much needed (or coveted) things for the kitchen.

My parents got us a wicked set of pots and pans, to replace the mish-mash of pots and pans we used before, most of which were wedding gifts from my parents wedding some 33 years ago, and the remainder were yard sale finds. Unfortunately with the new pots there isn't the same warning system to alert us when the pot was boiling. With our old set they were so warped that when they (finally) boiled on our glass cooktop they would shake back and forth uncontrollably, and I don't imagine the new set does that. We're making a frittata (sundried tomato pasta, eggs, red pepper, peas, spinach, zucchini, sundried tomatoes, and feta all stir fried then baked in an egg and egg white mixture) for dinner and I can't wait to try them out.

We were also the glad recipients of a bread maker which is not only pretty but bakes some pretty wicked bread. We've been enjoying plain white bread so far, with a loaf of cheese bread and one with basil in it for variety and as I type a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread is rising, just waiting to be baked so we can eat it with a wee bit of butter. No doubt we'll be cursing it when our hips and bellies expand beyond their current girth.

A combo blender/food processor will help make some wicked soups this week too. Heck, I might even get in a batch of latkes as well.

All this on a whirlwind tour of the province involving Omemee, Cobourg, the 'shwa, and Windsor from the 23rd until we got home last night. It was great to see family and friends over the holidays.

Our living/dining/hallways are slowly but surely getting done. They declared the process complete last week but we weren't entirely happy with the results (still tons of paint in the grain of the wood, bumpy walls were still bumpy and paint work was a bit sloppy) so they're back today to finish things off. Ah the advantages of holding the cheque until the end. It still looks like a wee bit of a disaster area with us not being sure where we should put the furniture and plants back but progress is being made and that's what matters.

What did Santa bring you?

17 comments:

The Serial Dater said...

A big fat lump of coal on Xmas eve...:P

Heather said...

Phoenix: AND some lovely vodka-ade on boxing day, which is nothing to shake a stick at, young man. :)

Twisted Lady said...

Mmm.. a bread maker? That would be the end of me.

Cinnamon, banana, cranberry...

Yum.

EUC said...

the blog whore: It will totally be the end of me - I think my next sweet loaf will be cranberry orange.

Anonymous said...

Mmmm....latkes.

My Christmas present won't come until July...I'm going to Blogher 2007! Yeehaw!

agreenearth said...

Calling in to wish you a great New Year, best wishes, The Artist

Linds84 said...

I got a new slow cooker that's big enough to cook a whole roast!

Teena in Toronto said...

I've had a bread maker for about seven years and love love love it! I love waking up to the smell of fresh bread!

Sandra said...

Gourmet and the 'shaw ... isn't that an oxymoron? SO kidding you (sort of) :)

Sounds like a wonderful Christmas. Wishing you and yours the happiest of new years!

IzzyMom said...

Oooooh! A bread maker? You're so lucky!!! We just have such a small kitchen that we've no place to keep one. But in my next house...

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Evil workout DVDs. I say Evil, because I can barely move today. Stupid muscles.

Anonymous said...

A bread machine - I would be jealous if I hadn't gotten yarn! Woooo!

Sounds like a delightful Xmas in the 'shwa. Happy New Year to you and Dave!

Anonymous said...

A lovely thing called TiVo and a newer, bigger computer monitor. Music and books.

mamatulip said...

Good grief...I have been totally avoiding a breadmaker because I would turn into the Pillsbury Doughwoman if I got one. Honestly.

Best of luck to you. LOL.

Jay said...

When are you inviting me for dinner?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a lovely holiday, what with the smell of fresh baked bread and pots that don't rattle.

Happy 2007!

EUC said...

Jenny: I'm sure you'll have a blast!

green earth: Thanks!

Lindsay: My sister got one too and loves it.

teena: I'm convinced it's THE best smell!

Sandra: I'd be an oxymoron not to agree. Thanks!

Izzymom: I'm pretty sure my small kitchen could give your small kitchen a run for its money, but we've decided fresh bread is a necessity.

Luck o' the Irish: You know I've never been able to do a workout dvd.

roro: I actually now need more knit dishcloths to wipe up the drool from the smell of the fresh bread.

wordgirl: I figured the pillsbury doughwoman ship sailed a long time ago. Now at least I have bread to go with my muffintop.

Jay: anytime!

tb: It was lovely. Happy 07 to you too!