Baking

Baking makes me happy for the following reasons:
a.) It is typically a non-strenuous and inexpensive task.
b.) It allows me to create something I can be proud of.
c.) If I'm sharing, it makes others happy (provided things turn out as planned).
d.) It almost always ends up as a yummy treat for me to enjoy.

Today I made gingersnaps. Here's the recipe (courtesy of my Aunt Becky) if you're in the mood for an easy, Winter-ish baking project to accompany the first snow of the year.

Ingredients
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
4 tbsp molasses
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups flour
pinch of salt

Directions

Mix all ingredients. Roll dough into small balls. Dip into sugar and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350. Enjoy!

The First Snow of the Year

Winter in Wisconsin can be brutal. By February, I'm SO ready for Spring. But the first snow of the year -- which happened to fall today -- is always a magical sort of day. I took this picture from my front door. As you can see, the first snow of the year is typically not too significant; it's more of a teaser of what's to come. Since the temperature is on its way down, the ground and everything is too warm to really let the snow accumulate. But it stays for at least a few hours, reminding us that Winter is on its way. It always makes me do Winter-y things like bake and drink cocoa and buy Christmas presents online (all of which I actually did today). :) So long, Fall! See you next year!