For the past five years I have done 24 advent posts during December, in the lead up to Christmas. I thought about it this year but unusually for me common sense prevailed... which as just as well really, because here we are four days in and my feet have barely touched the ground. My Mum is moving and is coming to stay with us for a while as her house has sold but her new flat is not ready. This has involved a lot of clearing out rooms, packing stuff in boxes, as well as still putting stuff back into my lovely new kitchen. And meanwhile the baking is continuing at quite a pace. So, by the skin of my teeth I bring you... A festive five on Friday!
1. There have been lots of mince pies baked... And consumed already!
2. A couple of batches of Rocky Road made too... some was taken to Cambridge last night to go into goody bags. I met up with a lovely group of new friends, all members of the same Facebook group of food bloggers, photographers, food lovers and friends, where we had a fabulous meal at The Pint Shop, laughed a lot, got to know each other... And brought home goody bags!
3. Today I've finished off another dozen mini Christmas cakes, some orders and some to be taken to a Christmas market tomorrow. There will be another couple of dozen of these being made over the next week.
4. Gingerbread made and decorated for tomorrow's market too...
5. And just to show it's not only baking round here, a couple of festive lanterns were finished off in my last class of this year. I would have loved to have written up a tutorial for these but by the time I finished writing, it would probably be Easter. Maybe next year?
I almost forgot... The winner of the lovely Cambridge cards was Vera. Do get in touch with your address if you are reading Vera! ( that doesn't really count as six things, does it?)
I hope to back before too long, but I have 258 more mince pies to make in the next couple of weeks!
Joining in with Amy for Five on Friday.
Phew I'm exhausted reading about what you're up to never mind doing it.
ReplyDeleteI love those those mini Christmas cake, they just look so cute, excellent icing on the snowflakes too!
V x
All your baking looks delicious, but I really love the frosted gingerbread.
ReplyDeleteGina, your baked creations look so beautiful...and I am sure they taste fabulous, filled with flavors we know to signal Christmas is near.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've yet no idea when I will commence my own meagre Christmas cookie baking, I have purchased butter, vanilla and fresh baking powder. I am just about ready to begin. Wish that I might sample one of your mince pies, but also hope that this might be the year that I actually make some of my own. Promise to keep you posted on that notion.
You are quite brilliant to also be preparing a place in your home for your Mom to stay until her new flat is ready. What a season!
As always, you inspire me, Gina. xo
Everything you bake always looks so tasty.
ReplyDeleteHave fun baking!
Arlette
Gosh you have been busy baking. Hope you have a good day x
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased your baking is going well. It all looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWonderful. So glad you have so many orders for your delicious creations. :-) The lanterns look marvellous too.
ReplyDeleteYour new kitchen must be smelling very festive after all that activity and everything looks so appetising and attractive. Hope your Mum will settle in to her new flat comfortably and that you find time for your own Christmas preparations and a breather or two along the way. Love the lanterns.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, you have been busy! There must be some lovely baking aromas wafting about! Those Christmas cakes look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is just wonderful. Everything looks great but I agree with the above comment your icing in those ginger biscuits is fabulous. I understand about posting everyday up to Christmas ad this is my third year and I too pondered at the notion but I have forged ahead. With all that is going on with you it sounds like it was the right thing to do. Loving this post though. X
ReplyDeleteIf I wasn't tired from the burst of heat we are having I certainly would be after reading your blog post.Your cooking looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know how you fit everything in! I hope it goes well having your Mum with you and that her flat is just what she needs.
ReplyDeleteYour baking looks fab!
We also had my mother to stay, after the family home was sold, and while she waited for her cottage at the retirement village.
ReplyDeleteWas a happy time, and I wish you both the same good memories.
Oh, all of your baked goodies look so delicious!!!! Especially the mince pies! Your baking business is going to be fantastic I just know it! I am looking forward to getting the Christmas decorations out and getting out the beautiful cracker that you sent me last year! Thank you for joining Five on Friday. I hope that you are having a great weekend! xx
ReplyDeleteYummy, yum, yum!! Everything looks just gorgeous coming out of your kitchen Gina! I love all the special touches you add too ... that snowflake is beautiful on the cakes, and you've got a steady hand for those iced gingerbreads. Beautiful work, a shame someone will eat it ;) So nice that your mother can move to your place during her transition. Good timing there, almost as good as having the kitchen makeover! Maybe she planned it all this way so she could enjoy your delicious Christmas bakes! (I sure would) Enjoy your marathon baking ahead of you.
ReplyDeleteWendy
I remember thinking last year that you must be mad to try and post every day for December ... made me feel like a real lightweight! Lovely to see a change of emphasis this year and the passion for where you're currently 'at' pervades this post all the way through. This new direction is giving you some new found energy and new friends to boot. So pleased it is working out for you chum xx
ReplyDelete258 mince pies! I am speechless. I would be in tears I think if I had to make so many mince pies. I'd happily eat them though. Yours look really pretty. Happy baking! I hope your mum settles in well in her temporary home. x
ReplyDeleteCatching up with a few blogs and now I could REALLY do with a mince pie, but not any old mince pie, a Gina mince pie!
ReplyDeleteDid I tell you I'm coming to yours for Christmas? Me and your mum can share that spare room! It all looks so fabulous Gina. Needless to say, I've not baked a thing, but I have done my Christmas shopping, which is a weight off! xCathy
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