The Joys of Baking

As a homemaker, I am incredibly fortunate to be able to practice my love of baking on a regular basis.  For the last few years, I have unofficially been titled the family cake decorator and chosen to whip up my not-so-famous "applesauce cakes" for my niece/nephew's birthdays.  I have practiced my fondant skills at creating the perfect dinosaur cake for little Krew and made heart-felt creations for hubby's birthday each year.

My love of baking played a huge role in me sharing my love with my co-workers when I worked full-time, and I would happily make their favorite desserts when their birthday approached.  Much to everyone's surprise I shared with them that I don't actually like cakes.  In fact, I love baking them, but don't care to take part in eating the sugary goodness.  They were so generous to whip up some of my beloved cookies when they threw my going-away party.

After weeks of sitting in the kitchen, I finally decided to make use of the adorable cookie cutter that I received as a gift when participating in Mrs. OK.  Therefore, yesterday I made some of my first ever decorated sugar cookies.

And, I loved it!

Not only did I get to play around with using my own ingredients to sub in for the recipe, but I actually got to enjoy eating them as well!  Despite my lack of artistic skills, I was pretty pleased with the results of my impromptu baking afternoon.  My husband shared in agreement by finishing off the majority of them last night, and encouraging me to look into making them more often.  I jokingly shared that this could be the beginning of starting my little baking business for loved ones.  After thinking up a name for myself all morning I am going to spend the afternoon practicing with some new cookie cutters.  Be on the lookout for my baking blog soon!  In the meantime, enjoy these yummy pictures I snapped from yesterday's adventure.