How to . . . have a good day off work

For certain reasons, work has been very light lately. In fact, I was told not to bother coming in one day last week. What do you do with a surprise (paid!) holiday?

1) Sleep in (just a little!)
2) Bake and play all the live long day
3) Document it for devoted blog readers

So here's your chance to see what I do in my time off and how all my lovely creations get made.

How to make Brownies

Start with a good recipe, such as the one in How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman. Melt your chocolate and butter together while you gather the rest of the ingrediants.


Add sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt, beating after each addition. Stir in flour until just barely combined.


Give the cat some canned food as a treat to get her out from under your feet. Add butterscotch chips and spread in a greased pan.


While the brownies bake, plant some herbs.

Test the middle for of the pan to make sure it baked through. While waiting for it to cool, admire the lovely contents of your fridge and decide what to cook next. Cut a "test" brownie, then eat 3 more.

How to Bake Bread

Get a good recipe (again from Bittman). Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a food processor. Whir away while you add warm water.


Look in dismay at the lever you mangled by putting the toaster oven in in front of it. Sigh and remind yourself that it's still functional so there's no reason to replace it. it's just ugly and sad. Then set your dough in a warm place to rise.

Save the Goran mines of Death Mountain.

Shape the dough into dinner rolls. While you make the soup for dinner, let the cat out for the third time that day (but her first day ever of exploring the backyard). Save "Ooo, so brave, kitty!"

Put the buns in the oven and rock Guitar Hero.

Serve with creamy parsnip soup. Admire the gorgeous flowers your husband brought. Think about how lucky you are.