So....I've Been Reading

That's where I've been. I checked out a book from the library on a whim, and turns out-it was great. It's called "Remember Me?" by Sophie Kinsella. Apparently she has a whole "Shopaholics" series and a couple of others as well. I went back today to get something else of hers, and they were all checked out. I'm thinking, "Wow, she must be good". I am now onto "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin, we'll see how that works out.

In the meantime, I am still boycotting the Olympics, though I'm finding it hard to miss out on the swimming and gymnastics. I'm hanging in there though.

I have heard on the news that China may be cheating on the girls gymnastics.....and apparently the committee is not investigating.....geez people.....

Oh well, I think I'll put my nose in a book and enjoy the last days of summer.....

The Baking Bender

The last few days have been filled with one of my favorite pastimes, baking.

In the past, I have created very yummy bites when I bake. Since we've been in the new house, I've been disappointed with the results. Part of me was wondering if it had to do with going from a gas oven to an electric. I have since realized it's more than that.

I made croissants from scratch Friday. They were enjoyable-don't get me wrong, but the dough wasn't as light and flaky as I would have liked. The two loaves of bread I made were also too dense. Then came the pie crust. Pie crust is one of those things I don't particularly enjoy making, but had perfected (so I thought) about 2 years ago, so I don't see a reason to buy the refrigerated ones anymore. The last few times I have tried, it is a total disaster. The first batch I actually threw away, the second was tough-too wet, and the third was awful as well-cracked, fragile. I don't know what I'm doing wrong and it's driving me crazy! I'm using Martha Stewart's recipe as always, also using my Cuisinart, as always. I researched it, and it appears that I'm not adding enough water.......about a 1/4 c.

So, what pies did I make you ask? I've made two rustic tarts. Plum, and peach. They're in the oven now, so we shall see......