bakingclub:

Hey, I made some cookies.

I’ve actually been doing a lot of the things I tend to post about lately, just… not posting about them.  Coming in the near future: more cookies, a skirt, some embroidery, a sweater (once I block it).

This isn’t a blog about my personal life, but for the sake of clarity I should mention that I moved at the end of August and am now living in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Big changes are always difficult, but good friends and family help, and I’m excited to get to know a new city and a new side of myself.

And I am so glad it’s autumn.

I know y’all don’t really need six different pictures of my cookies, but it’s probably going to be this way for a while as I continue practicing photography. I’m having so much fun learning (no small thanks to Bryan’s lending me his guidance and camera).

These toffee cookies are chewy, simple, addictive. I got the recipe from my cousin Beth’s blog, Obviously Sweet. (This was also the source of the incredible lemon cake recipe I linked to in my dinner party post.)

Spring dinner party tonight!

I’ve posted about these cookies over at bakingclub, where you can also find the recipe.

I’ve posted about these cookies over at bakingclub, where you can also find the recipe.

Things of note about this picture: 1. Henry is standing/sitting with his paws on the windowsill and his butt on the kitchen cart like this is a perfectly normal way to hang out. 2. I made chocolate chip cookies that didn’t burn or spread into a gigantic pan-sized cookie or otherwise come out weird. They are just cookies, and that is awesome. 3. I am going to miss this goofball cat SO MUCH when Bryan and I go to St. Louis this weekend. He’s only been with us two and a half weeks and I can’t stand to be away from him for four days! This is tempered by the fact that he will be cared for by the totally wonderful Sara and Tom, and also that our little vacation will include four other cats who are pretty great as well. And my dogs. And parents. But still!

Things of note about this picture:

1. Henry is standing/sitting with his paws on the windowsill and his butt on the kitchen cart like this is a perfectly normal way to hang out.

2. I made chocolate chip cookies that didn’t burn or spread into a gigantic pan-sized cookie or otherwise come out weird. They are just cookies, and that is awesome.

3. I am going to miss this goofball cat SO MUCH when Bryan and I go to St. Louis this weekend. He’s only been with us two and a half weeks and I can’t stand to be away from him for four days! This is tempered by the fact that he will be cared for by the totally wonderful Sara and Tom, and also that our little vacation will include four other cats who are pretty great as well. And my dogs. And parents. But still!

They may not be heart-shaped or pink-frosted, but they were definitely made with love.

They may not be heart-shaped or pink-frosted, but they were definitely made with love.

I accidentally doubled the butter in these, but I can’t say it seems to have caused any harm. (Same recipe as I posted here [almost a year ago!], but instead of hazelnut liqueur in the frosting there’s a tablespoon of triple sec and some clementine zest.)

I accidentally doubled the butter in these, but I can’t say it seems to have caused any harm.

(Same recipe as I posted here [almost a year ago!], but instead of hazelnut liqueur in the frosting there’s a tablespoon of triple sec and some clementine zest.)

A bit more on the cake: 1. Rachel requested it specifically a full five months in advance. 2. This is the (excellent, very detailed) recipe. 3. The frosting was a little tricky, but worth the trouble. 4. It was enjoyed among the best of company. And I saved you a piece, Gonzalo!

A bit more on the cake:

1. Rachel requested it specifically a full five months in advance.
2. This is the (excellent, very detailed) recipe.
3. The frosting was a little tricky, but worth the trouble.
4. It was enjoyed among the best of company. And I saved you a piece, Gonzalo!

Devil’s food cake with marshmallow frosting for Rachel.

Devil’s food cake with marshmallow frosting for Rachel.