Caking

I really am a horrible cook.

I love food. I love to eat food. And I love finding great food to eat.

However, I will say when I bake, my bakings tend to taste great. I guess you can't really go wrong when it consists mostly of sugar. :)

About 5 weeks ago I made up my mind that I was going to make an R2-d2 cake. Well . . . . . . . I made an R2-d2 cake. And then I made another R2-d2 cake and finally I made a third R2-d2 cake. Wanna see?

R2 #1

R2-KT

R2 #2

I like the coloring of the first cake, but I think the 3rd cake turned out the best. In case you're wondering why I went Star Wars CRAZY? We wanted to celebrate the release of SW on blu-ray and I thought, what better way to celebrate than by having cake?!

I'm thinking about taking a cake decorating class. Have any of you taken one and if so, what are your thoughts?

Working on it

I know it's been a very long time since I've posted so I'll try to make this a good one. This last week I went to a little R.S. class where they taught us how to make freezer and cooked jam. I had always been under the impression that making jam was a difficult task. Not true. Trust me, if I can take the time and effort to make it, anyone can. I would highly recommend making freezer jam. You don't have to slave over a hot stove and it still tastes great, if not better than cooked jam. From what I've been told, the only difference between freezer and cooked jam is 1) the consistency (freezer jam is more runny) 2) freezer jam can be stored for up to a year and cooked can be stored for longer and 3) freezer jam tends to taste better and fresher. Here's where I tell you what you need to make freezer jam:

1) Fresh fruit.

2) Pectin. I used Sure-Jell but there are many brands out there. This will be your best friend as the instructions inside tell you exactly how to make the jam.

3) Sugar

4) Lemon juice

5) Light corn syrup

6) Freezer containers. I'd recommend Ball Plastic Freezer Jars. They come with a nifty screw-on lid and several different sizes.

7) Food processor

Follow the instructions included in the pectin package and you can't go wrong. :)

18 jars of jam made in less than 2 hours. Not too shabby.