browngirl

Today is the midpoint of my vacation, and what have I done so far? *resists the temptation to list what I haven't done*

I've made a lot of fruitcake, more successfully than in past years; only one batch didn't meet standards, and I broke so little I might have to bake a half batch in order to have some to "jar". (What should I do with my "jarred" fruitcake from last year? *contemplates*) It's a fun task, even if my feet currently hurt, but it's definetely enhanced when friends come to visit *wave to

bercilakslady*

I also need to find out what's in the "Signature Secrets Culinary Thickener" from King Arthur Flour. My Honey Fruitcake recipe produces a flavorful but very thin batter, such that last year the fruit all sank to the bottom of the cakes; this stuff made it nice and thick, keeping the fruit suspended. However, I don't feel comfortable being dependent on a non-generic product to make my cake work; I wonder if I can work out a cornstarch version?

Incidentally,

flabosib is to be added to the Great Roll of Fruitcake Enablers; let me just say that she's really, really increased my ability to carry off this project. *waves to her gratefuly*

Having all week to make the fruitcake is very nice, but I think I can do this in a long weekend plus a day (take an extra day off? Call in sick? "I'm calling out crazy, since I have an irresistable compulsion to bake; I'll be sane tomorrow!") as long as I spend the preceding evenings prepping fruit and sorting out baking tins.

So far I haven't done much besides cook (and wash dishes), though I did watch the Dirty Jobs 150th Job Celebration, which was nearly as much fun as attending the party myself, especially when viewed with TL. Tomorrow I have a couple small cakes to finish up with; then I hope to read and write stories for

yuletide; Friday maybe I'll get to work on my Halloween story, and/or watch a movie, and/or read a book. Or maybe I'll just do nothing, that's also a good vacation activity. *grin*