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I like cooking; specifically, baking. I find that baking fills the house with heavenly odors that tug at the comforting strings in the brain. I will admit, when it comes to baking something like white bread or sour dough bread, I will use a bread machine. It's not just the lazy factor that makes this decision, it's the timing. I can fill the bread machine with ingredients before I go to bed at night and wake up in the morning to the smell of freshly baked bread.

Mmmm. There is no better alarm clock.

Quick breads area always fun. Seems any church with any kind of congregation has a zucchini bread recipe. Banana breads aren't far behind that, but I like the exotic kinds. Orange and cranberry bread, or nut bread made with hazel nuts and macadamias. Apricot orange bread.

Mmmm. Pass the cream cheese please.

Muffins are just quick breads made in smaller portions, but some muffins are heavier than others. I just made donut muffins the other night. REALLY good. They're heavier with a tighter texture to them, and they're usually made with nutmeg as the flavoring, but I used cloves and cinnamon instead. I got one, my dad ate the other five.

Shortbread is another thing I like making. (Not to be mistaken for sweetbreads ;) ) The basic recipe is easy enough, and just about everyone has the ingredients, but you can play with it and get really creative. A well placed dot or two of jelly always brings on the ooh's. If the jelly happens to be transparent, like apple or mint, you'll get the ahh's to go with it. If you have some halved walnuts laying around, you can top a circle of shortbread with it. It not only adds a nice flavor to the cookie, but it is also a nice looking touch. I always get really nice compliments when I make stain glass windows. All you need for that is a basic shortbread recipe and a few jolly ranchers.

Mmmm, shortbread!

Baking is a stress reliever. With the problems I've bee running into with school, and the hassles of work and paying a mortgage, the stress of living is getting to me. Baking is a cheap, easy and yummy way for me to let off the pressure.

But what do I do with the excess?

Hey, want any cookies?