Bitter Sweets!
Note to self: Trying to make candy while mothering a baby and 2 preschoolers is pointless. And a week is far too long to go without blogging!
I have been trying to get some Christmas stuff done, I feel Christmassy, but time and energy have been lacking. Today the kids and I are going to do up a bunch of gingerbread and shortbread, the dough is made and ready to roll out. While waiting for the gingerbread to chill for 2 hours, I thought I would make up some toffee.
I nursed Zed and put him down asleep, I put the butter and sugar in the pot and started to bring it to a boil. Then Girly starts yelling, "Mommy! I need to pee! I need your help!" So I got the boy to come and stir my candy while I went to wipe her bum. I peeked in on Zed and saw that he was now awake already. ugh.
I got the boy to hold Zed while I continued making the toffee. The recipe says to stir for 13 minutes until candy is 300 degrees and separates into brittle threads in cold water. So I stir. And Zed starts to scream, apparently he feels that I am ignoring him and he wants me. Now. Then Girly starts to scream. I guess she realized that she had more to do in the bathroom and now she needed me to wipe her. again.
I have ten more minutes of stirring and 2 screaming kids. They scream louder and louder and I stir faster and faster, wishing away the minutes, calling out consolingly to the kids. If I stop stirring now, the candy will be ruined. Louder and louder, faster and faster....
Then the butter starts to separate from the candy and I can't get the dumb stuff to make threads and the kids are freaking out. So I dump the candy on the pan, hoping for the best, cuddle the baby on the way up to wipe the little bum. ahhh...
Then the best thing happens. My hubby calls and I tell him my story. He says some lovely words to me, "Would you like some help?"
What?! Yes! He is on his way home from work early, yay!
So we are going to decorate our tree and make cookies now, with an extra set of parental hands. Perfect.
ooh! Zed just did the cutest thing. Monkey is watching Diego and there was a bird sound. Caw...Caw...caw
Then Zed copied the sound.
Then the movie bird cawed again,
Then Zed cawed again!
So cute! So freaky!
Hope you are all enjoying the hustle and bustle of the season, you are all in my thoughts, even in my absence. I don't imagine I will be around much until Christmas is here, but Merry Christmas from our home to yours.
I have been trying to get some Christmas stuff done, I feel Christmassy, but time and energy have been lacking. Today the kids and I are going to do up a bunch of gingerbread and shortbread, the dough is made and ready to roll out. While waiting for the gingerbread to chill for 2 hours, I thought I would make up some toffee.
I nursed Zed and put him down asleep, I put the butter and sugar in the pot and started to bring it to a boil. Then Girly starts yelling, "Mommy! I need to pee! I need your help!" So I got the boy to come and stir my candy while I went to wipe her bum. I peeked in on Zed and saw that he was now awake already. ugh.
I got the boy to hold Zed while I continued making the toffee. The recipe says to stir for 13 minutes until candy is 300 degrees and separates into brittle threads in cold water. So I stir. And Zed starts to scream, apparently he feels that I am ignoring him and he wants me. Now. Then Girly starts to scream. I guess she realized that she had more to do in the bathroom and now she needed me to wipe her. again.
I have ten more minutes of stirring and 2 screaming kids. They scream louder and louder and I stir faster and faster, wishing away the minutes, calling out consolingly to the kids. If I stop stirring now, the candy will be ruined. Louder and louder, faster and faster....
Then the butter starts to separate from the candy and I can't get the dumb stuff to make threads and the kids are freaking out. So I dump the candy on the pan, hoping for the best, cuddle the baby on the way up to wipe the little bum. ahhh...
Then the best thing happens. My hubby calls and I tell him my story. He says some lovely words to me, "Would you like some help?"
What?! Yes! He is on his way home from work early, yay!
So we are going to decorate our tree and make cookies now, with an extra set of parental hands. Perfect.
ooh! Zed just did the cutest thing. Monkey is watching Diego and there was a bird sound. Caw...Caw...caw
Then Zed copied the sound.
Then the movie bird cawed again,
Then Zed cawed again!
So cute! So freaky!
Hope you are all enjoying the hustle and bustle of the season, you are all in my thoughts, even in my absence. I don't imagine I will be around much until Christmas is here, but Merry Christmas from our home to yours.
Oh love. That you would even attempt to make candy with two toddlers and a baby is why I love you! You are fearless in a crazy kinda way:)
ReplyDeleteHow did it turn out btw?
miss you!
You are crazy :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems that whenever I am up to my elbows in food of some kind, Jack Jack needs a wipe. Lovely.
Kristen THIS is exactly why I left you an award on my blog. Go check it out! Love you girl and all that you do! Have a blessed Christmas as I know you will!!
ReplyDeleteAn extra set (or three) of hands is always a welcome surprise! Merry Christmas to you, too!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Cooking with children always seems like such a fun relaxing thing to do, but it usually turns disastrous!
ReplyDelete(I made some chocolate covered pretzels with the princess yesterday though, and it was perfect. Melt a bag of milk chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes or so, then lay your pretzel in the chocolate, turn it over with the back of a spoon, let it drip off a bit and lay it on a parchment covered baking sheet. Sprinkle some toffee bits (the Skor kind, from a BAG) or some sprinkles or crushed smarties on top to decorate, and shove the whole thing in the freezer for 10 minutes or so to harden up) She did it almost unaided, which was perfect because Bad woke up halfway through.
Enjoy all the magic of the season, where it's reflected in those little faces you love.
xo Sarah
The fact that you would even attempt to dive into candy making- Brave woman.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Hubby got home early!
Wow - who could ever say Moms can't multitask. I am so impressed!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a most wonderful Chrismtas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeletejust give up & go buy candy!
ReplyDelete:)
I hope you have a wonderful Christnas Kristen!
ReplyDelete