I love to bake but during the holidays I've been known to overdo it. Much like great expectations of family reunions that some people have this time of year, I have a glowing vision of myself in the kitchen happliy baking away to my favorite Christmas songs. It seems that I reach a point year after year that crosses the line from jolly baker into a rushed, exhausted and overwhelmed scrooge! While it's still difficult to know when I will reach the 'other side' I am getting better at knowing my limits.
This year I kept my baking down to a minimum to ensure Christmas spirit goes into every cookie, muffin and scone. At Thanksgiving I made two batches of Pumpkin Steusel Muffins for my in-laws and also a batch for myself to enjoy during the work week. I baked and decorated ornament-shaped cutout cookies for some coworkers and will be making four loaves of pumpkin bread this week. Right now I plan on baking up some Makeover British Scones to give to relatives along with some homemade peach-ginger jam that I made while peaches were in season over the summer. I might sneak another batch of Christmas cookies or two in there to bring to parties but only if I am certain that the grinch of holiday baking past will stay out of my cozy kitchen!
Happy holiday baking!