Moving Day Bliss

Moving generally isn't associated with "bliss" ... but despite the torrential rainstorm we endured while moving out of our apartment last weekend, nothing could have been more blissful than moving into our new condo! Steve and I took the leap into home ownership, and after months of planning and a week of painting we were finally able to move into our new digs.

To help ease the pain for everyone else (as they were not nearly as excited about our new condo, why should they be? They were "voluntarily" lugging boxes in the rain), I said farewell to my much-hated apartment kitchen with one final bake off. Amidst all of the boxes, half-packed ingredients and with cookie sheets strategically balanced on the garbage can, microwave and over the sink, I was able to help our friends feed their faces with some of the BEST chocolate chip cookies I've ever made (and tasted!), a batch of Ginger Chewies, and mini chocolate chip muffins.

Now we've unpacked the last box, have pictures on the wall and yesterday I was finally able to bake for the first time in the new, beloved kitchen. So much counter space! An oven that isn't sitting unevenly on the floor! A garbage disposal! I had forgotten such wonders existed. I hope to post some pictures this week of the new and fabulous kitchen as well as some baking adventures in the new place.

"Little Bites" of Savory Muffins

We're having a little (last minute) work celebration today, so I volunteered to bring something...something in the category of a "little bite." Umm, ok. I don't really have a lot of appetizers in my repetoire, especially something that would travel easily to work, doesn't need to be served hot, etc. Everything I bring has to commute with me on the bus in the morning, and either has to sit at my desk until it's served or must be wedged into one of our two work fridges that are always overflowing.

With those limitations in mind, last night I made savory cranberry, cheddar and herb mini muffins, recipe found on Whole Foods' site. These easily fit into the genre of "little bites," and are low maintenance in the travel and serving departments.

Of course, it's only appropriate that I taste-test some of these last night...I was curious about the flavors and if everything really came together. I defintely could have kicked up the cayenne for a little more spice, and I think next time I would have topped them off with some shredded chedder before baking so that they would have cheesey tops. Otherwise, the flavors are subtle, but once you get a bite of a cranberry the flavors really come together. Definitely a recipe I will keep on the backburner and play around with a little bit, ready for the next time I need "little bites."

Cranberry Goodness

How does one fight the snow and slush outside? Orange Cranberry muffins...a little bitter from the orange, a little tart from the cranberry, a lot of yummy in the tummy. A small consolation prize for having to venture out into the winter storm.