Hellooooo from the deep freeze that is Dallas, Texas!! It's a frosty 21 degrees this morning, and we are all still recovering from our recent ice storm. It's been a real job the last couple of days to keep everybody fed and warm, inside and out. Our birdies and wildlife and outside (feral) kitties are just not accustomed to this kind of cold. We have been busy refilling feeders, breaking up ice in bird baths, and making kitty shelters.
What better time to bake some goodies and warm up the kitchen?! I set up a baking station in my favorite corner of the kitchen to keep supplies handy for the holiday baking season. Plus, I really needed a reason to show off my cute Christmas spatula and whisk :)
These baking cups are just too cheery and cute to stay behind the cupboard doors! As are a couple of holiday take-out containers, ready to be filled with goodies to be delivered, and the red and green baking chips that I found at Aldi.
I did manage to hobble down some mostly ice-free roads yesterday to make use of my 25% off World Market coupon. Even though I was there to pick up gifts, this pretty apron made its way into my cart :) As much as I cook, I convinced myself that it made sense, you know, to save a couple of winter tees from being ruined. And there's just something so festive about donning a pretty holiday apron when you're baking up goodies for your loved ones! A thrifted red stool awaits some little helpers who may stop by, in hopes of enjoying a hot cookie :)
Santa came a few weeks early, and brought this red Dutch oven, after going to *four* different Aldi stores to find the requested color. I have made almost every meal in it for a week now, really, how did I ever cook without this? I have heard folks say for years that food tastes so much better when cooked in a Dutch oven, and I'm a believer now! And for the bargain price of $30, really not much more than a good quality take-out meal. Lamb Ragu, Mushroom Risotto, and the famous No-Knead Bread have been our favorites so far. I Pinned some wonderful recipes on this board, click over and see them if you're a fan of Dutch oven cooking. I hope you find a new favorite of your own.
Well the sun is coming out today, and I'm waaayyy behind on holiday gift buying, so I'm heading out into the frozen tundra! I hope you are having a happy and stress-free holiday season, and staying safe and warm!
Joining:
Kim's Wow Us Wednesday
From the Farm Blog Hop
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper
I know what you mean. I am so over the icy roads. Everything looks so adorable in your Christmas kitchen. I need to see your little kitty shelters.
Posted by: Katie M. | December 10, 2013 at 06:24 PM
It must be so warm and cozy in your kitchen with all the cooking and baking going on, Andrea! You are using all those things you bought, right? : ) I am behind a bit, too, because of our frozen Tundra. I hate driving in this weather, but it looks like I'm going to have to suck it up and just get out there!
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | December 10, 2013 at 06:27 PM
LOVE the Christmas baking station! You always find the cutest things! I could bake all day surrounded by all of that cuteness! I missed out on all of the wintry weather. My hubby sent pics of the trees in the neighborhood. Lots of broken branches. It's pretty to look at; but, wow, the mess it created.
Posted by: Shenita | December 10, 2013 at 06:28 PM
Oh wow, I am in love with your baking center....the color of the cabinets, the knob....your stove and all the gorgeous holiday décor.
Love it!
Posted by: plus.google.com/104495032602024091871 | December 10, 2013 at 07:11 PM
It may be cold outside but your kitchen looks so festive and cozy!!
Posted by: Martina | December 10, 2013 at 07:19 PM
What a great little baking center! I have a stool just like that, except it is green.
Posted by: Marigene | December 10, 2013 at 07:20 PM
Looks like Christmas has arrived at your house. Lovely!!
Posted by: Kathy | December 10, 2013 at 08:43 PM
Andrea, I love your baking center! No wonder you want to showcase your new spatula and wisk-they are so cute mixed in with your other utensils! Every time I come to your blog, I always admire your shelves. They are on my want list.
Posted by: Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads | December 10, 2013 at 10:01 PM
What a cute nook you have created! I love it! And you are so sweet for taking care of your wildlife!
Posted by: Luisa | December 11, 2013 at 12:17 AM
What a great space for baking and so colorful! Great dutch oven, love that red color. $30.00 is a great price, lucky you! Cute space!
Posted by: Lisa~A Cottage To Me | December 11, 2013 at 07:07 AM
It is 20 degrees in Western Pa. But it is expected here. The weather is crazy for you to have cold like this in Texas. And the ice storm...horrible. I have been through a few and while a little ice is one thing a major ice storm is quite another.
Well enjoy the baking ! Cute set-up there for the holidays...very festive :)
Posted by: Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow | December 11, 2013 at 07:13 AM
I'm just a little north of you in Carrollton and got out for the 1st time yesterday evening - brrrr!
Love your kitchen. I'm not a blogger just a grandma who loves reading the blogs and living vicariously through bloggers ;)
I saw that red dutch oven at our Aldi's and debated on it too long - went back the next day and both were gone!
Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Jane B | December 11, 2013 at 07:36 AM
This is adorable! Love all of the little touches.
- The Tablescaper
Posted by: The Tablescaper | December 11, 2013 at 08:19 AM
You have such a cozy, colorful and fun kitchen!
I love your baking center and new apron.
And from someone who actually lives in the real frozen tundra, our high today will be zero. Our wind chill last night was 28 below zero. It is truly mind numbing.
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy @ Applestone Cottage | December 11, 2013 at 09:05 AM
What a sweet & cherry post. LOVE it!
Posted by: betty walls | December 11, 2013 at 09:08 AM
Your kitchen is SO charming decorated for Christmas. I love your stove, btw! I want one like that if our stove every breaks down. LOL! I didn't know that Aldi sells housewares. I thought they only sold groceries. Hmmmm.....may have to check it out. There is one in the next town over from me. Love your cute apron too. I agree it is fun to cook with an apron on. I usually only think to wear one if I'm frying something though so I don't get grease on my clothes. Have a fun day shopping. It is very cold here today too. We woke up to frost on the ground and the grass was crunchy.
Posted by: Kelly | December 11, 2013 at 09:47 AM
Seriously, your Christmas baking station should be in the Christmas edition of a magazine….
LOVE the Joy utensil holder, spatula, and whisk. LOVE the little ribbons on the canisters, too!!!
Super post. :D
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | December 11, 2013 at 10:52 AM
It was a frosty 28 degrees in ATL today!! Your Christmas baking station is super cute! I have to get some of those cute cupcake baking cups. We made cupcakes last week and used Halloween ones - I was all out of Christmas ones. Very cute spatula too!
Posted by: Manuela@A Cultivated Nest | December 11, 2013 at 04:31 PM
Baby it IS cold outside...and yukky today too!! I'm glad to see the rain, but rain+cold+Christmas errands is not a good equation!!!
Your kitchen is wonderful...I just wish I could roost on the red stool, eat a few cookies and visit with you for a blissful hour!!
Blessings to you,
J
Posted by: Jaybird | December 13, 2013 at 12:36 PM
Andrea, you always have such cute decorations and it is nice seeing the traditional colors used.
Posted by: Kim | December 14, 2013 at 08:53 AM
Oh how darling Andrea...I am on my way! I love all cookies so we can have some fun in your kitchen. LOVE it, so so so cute.
Posted by: debbiedoos | December 14, 2013 at 09:34 AM
I adore your bake corner....so cozy.
Smiles,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Crivello | December 18, 2013 at 11:51 PM
I am baking and might just set out my cute little Christmas cupcake papers - love the JOY tin.
I went a little crazy at Cost Plus last week. It is easy to go crazy there.
Posted by: Carol | December 21, 2013 at 02:02 PM