I spent an enjoyable but busy afternoon in the kitchen. First up was my first attempt at cassoulet. I got everything browned and sauteed, then layered it in the crockpot to simmer while I turned my attention to all things pumpkin.
First up was a trial run of double-chocolate pumpkin cake. The recipe made two small cakes, so we can enjoy one here and I'll take one with me to Bunco tomorrow night. Stay tuned for an assessment of the final product.
I also tested out another pumpkin bread recipe. The plan was to divide it into two loaves (since the recipe indicated it would make two loaves), with one sporting nuts and a streusel topping, while the other got an infusion of cream cheese filling and cinnamon glaze. The result was a full-size loaf with a very runny cream cheese filling, and a miniature loaf of streusel-topped nut bread. Either I seriously misjudged the amount of batter I placed in the first pan, or the ingredients need tweaking. (I'm leaning towards the latter.)
Regardless, the resulting loaves were good and I'll showcase them in an upcoming recipe-of-the-week. I also took step-by-step photos of assembling the cassoulet, and since it also received a thumbs-up from the family, I'll outline my experience soon.
Our weather today was pitch-perfect: it was warm and sunny, with a hint of coolness on the breeze. If I hadn't been keeping close watch on the oven timer, it would have been a gorgeous afternoon to spend outdoors. So how did you spend your Sunday? I hope it was restful, relaxing and enjoyable! If it was also free from consumerism, all the better.
Happy Monday,
