#26: Bake something from scratch once a month for 6 months (month #6)

Well, my six months of baking has come to an end and I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed testing my skills and sharing my wares with friends and family.  Although my waistline will likely thank me, I will miss having the opportunity to create something new and delicious month.  I do plan to continue baking (as I honestly think I'm pretty darn good at it).  

I wanted to bring a tasty treat to the student organization I advise at Dickinson's last meeting of the semester.  The chair of the organization, Maria, suggested that I make red velvet cake (one of her favorites).  I took her advice but decided to do it a little differently and whipped up a batch of Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies using a recipe from the one and only Paula Deen.

 

 

 

Cookies aka Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Baking a sweet treat for my students was the least I could do to thank them for all of their hard work!  Two of my colleagues were out of the office this semester on maternity leave, so all of us were feeling stretched a little thin with lots of work to do! My students took everything in stride and were extremely self-sufficient, helpful, and understanding.  They are THE BEST!

My chair and assistant chair, Maria & Hector, enjoying their dessert!

I'll end this post with a little tune from the acts my students brought to campus as the fall concert this year... :)

#54: Try 5 "classic" cocktails I have never tasted (Manhattan)

This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the wedding of one of my best friends from college, the wonderful Ryan!  I have so many fond memories of times spent with Ryan over the years.

Serious faces, per usual

I can't think of anyone else who would host a party with me that had the theme "Broadway Musicals" - complete with Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Jell-o shots, Audrey II Dirt Dessert, and guests dressed in costume screaming show tunes at the top of their lungs!

Okay, Mariah Carey hand...get it, get it

We've done karaoke, talked in our sleep, quoted movies over and over again, modeled a jingle thong, bootlegged with the best of them, and owned the Thumper table.  Ryan's one of the most loyal, kind, and amazing people I have ever met - so obviously I was THRILLED when he met someone so perfect for him, in the form of the lovely Lauren!  Ryan and Lauren met via JDate (holler!), the premier Jewish singles community online.

Success!

Ryan & Lauren

It was great reuniting with a bunch of my college friends to celebrate the union of such a great couple.  During the cocktail hour, I took the opportunity to tackle #54 on my list:  to try 5 classic cocktails I have never tasted.  Brett and Jake suggested I try a Manhattan.  I have MADE a few Manhattans in my day, but never actually tasted one.  I followed Jake's cue and ordered mine with a little cherry juice in it - which definitely takes away a bit from the "classic" nature of the drink but, whatever, I do what I want! Overall, I enjoyed my Manhattan and probably wouldn't hesitate to order another should I find myself hankering for some bourbon!

Manhattan!

Surprise Face!