I made the mistake of showing Quinn this recipe that showed a beautiful finished photograph of black and white cookie wreaths garnished with piped red frosting berries. I’ve mentioned before that he is quite ambitious in my baking. After several days of pleading, I finally caved and made the cookies.
To say that the cookies didn’t turn out as well as I’d hoped would be an understatement. The pistachio dough was fine, but the chocolate dough was not cooperative. It spent time in both the refrigerator and the freezer, but it just wasn’t up to task. Quinn was victorious in getting a few wreaths made before he gave up.
The cookies themselves are actually pretty good. I decided to salvage what I could and bake them in non-wreath form. Of course, by this time I was so discouraged that there was no pleasing me.
I suppose there is something to be said for having my first baking-related failure of the holiday season not happen until three days before Christmas. I’ll focus on that. Then, tomorrow, it’s back to baking as I start preparing for Christmas Eve.
Far more successful baking on BoB (just humor me):
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
- Italian Cream Cake
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
- Irish Cream Brownies
- Chocolate Shortbread Fingers
- Mini Pecan Pies
December 22nd, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I made these too and found the chocolate dough uncooperative as well!!!! I wasn’t sure if it was just me and the fact that I had doubled the recipe. You thought you were frustrated… ha! They are delish though.
December 23rd, 2007 at 4:25 am
Your baking creations are always stunning and delicious, Jen – don’t be so hard on yourself, sweetie!
The recipes you make are always a inspiration to me and to many others.
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:42 am
Umm…looks too labor intensive for me
On the other hand, I would have no problem making either the Reese’s or Pecan Pie cheesecakes—yum!
December 23rd, 2007 at 11:10 am
Danielle, that makes me feel so much better. Good to know that it wasn’t just me!
Thanks, Patricia. You’re very kind. I am, unfortunately, not one to take failure well. Quinn says I would have made a terrible scientist.
JEP, both of those cheesecakes are wonderful! In fact, I’m about to make another Pecan Pie Cheesecake today for tomorrow’s festivities.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:23 pm
I am sure they will turn out the way you want them to with some practice… they look pretty good to me though!
December 24th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I’m sorry the dough didn’t work out so well. I laughed about your husband’s ambition for you…if my husband sees a an incredible food photo, he’s sold on a recipe. If there’s no picture, his interest definitely declines. Have a great Christmas!
Julie
December 24th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Don’t be so hard on yourself, really! Failing is normal from time to time, I know it from personal experience:) The cookie looks fab, but there are probably better batters for making the cookies, since yours was not very cooperative.
December 24th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
it seems like a very nice cookie though and i myself don’t mind eating any kind of cookie shape as long as it’s delicious.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:38 am
Thanks, Jenn. I really think that chocolate dough would need to be altered somehow before I’d even consider making these again. Maybe I’ll be brave again some day!
Julie, if Quinn finds out there’s not a picture with a recipe, he’s all for making it so *we* can have a picture of it. Good for the blogging business, I suppose. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Evelin, thanks for the encouragement. I really must try to deal better with failures.
Eliza, I feel the same way. I tried some other shapes, but I just lost interest after the wreaths were a no-go.
December 28th, 2007 at 12:08 am
They are just gorgeous! I could see myself putting a bunch on my tree…and I am sure my dog would be quite happy about it!
December 28th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
That would be quite a feat. My cats would certainly love a food-decorated tree.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Your site it my favorite keep it coming! I find it refreshing that you publish the “oops”.