Let the Marathon Begin!!

First things first, I apologize for my recent absence from SSEN... What with final papers and exams and a trip to CA (!!!), I have hardly had time to sleep.

Much less bake.

But, as Christmas is swiftly approaching, so is an immense amount of baking and cooking...

Here's how it happened:

Setting: Thanksgiving dinner at my aunt's house with my entire extended family.

I just finished a five-hour long shift at work, and I was beat... So, on my way to Thanksgiving, I picked up a bottle of my favorite Rose.

If you don't know me and my wine tolerance, it's very low.  I mean, very low.  One glass and I am a giggling fool.  Ask anyone.  It's amusing.

Well, I arrive to Thanksgiving and everyone else seems to have had the same idea -- bring a bottle of wine. Not wanting the wine to go to waste, I proceeded to consume 3 (!!!!) glasses of my wine and very little food.

Next thing I know, we are sitting around the dining room table with my mom making the Christmas menu and assigning family members to bring various dishes.  I am a little tipsy at this point, and I pipe up and agree to bring ALL of the appetizers and desserts.

No, not just one appetizer and one dessert... Not just the appetizers, not just the desserts.  ALL of it...

After weeks of poring over recipes and food websites, I have finally come up with a menu.  And now, ten days from Christmas, I have started the preparation...

I would love for you join me on the crazy culinary adventure... It is sure to be filled with laughter, tears, frustration, and LOTS of food.

Before you agree, though, let me give you a sneak peek at the menu:
Appetizers
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Pizza Buns (oh, just wait for these...)
- Chipotle Chicken Cups
- Southwestern Dip with Chips and Veggies

Desserts
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Coconut Cupcakes
- Caramel Pecan Bars
- Apple Fritters
- Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes
- Cookies for the Kids

Ready to come along? I sure hope so...

Tonight, I made the dough for the pizza buns.  I am going to freeze it and make them the day of, but it never hurts to get ahead...

Maybe I should apply that philosophy to my schoolwork?!?!

Pizza Bun Dough
adapted from KAF
hopefully enough for pizza buns...

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 Tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup water

Mix and knead ingredients together into soft, slag dough.  Let rise for 45 minutes.  Then, wrap well and freeze or roll out and make pizza (buns).