The original plan for the kitchen windows was to have the countertop be the sills and the cabinet bottoms be the on-top sill (transom? lintel? whatever). Due to the way the cabinet tops and sizes came together, the plan for the top didn’t work (or would have looked very strange). So, there’s a gap. It’sContinue reading “Serendipity”
Author Archives: Mark
Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – XXXIII
Macarons Attempt the second (see attempt the first) turned out much better. Following the established format, first the recipe: 2 egg whites1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar3/4 cup (70g) almond flour3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powdersaltcream and chocolate for the ganache (very small quantities) Beat the egg whites until fluffy, then beat inContinue reading “Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – XXXIII”
Refinishing
Marketing people are lying liars. I know, news flash from centuries ago. Nonetheless, the color on the outside of the QUART can of stain is not anything like the result. It’s much, much darker – almost black/ebony. I’m going to throw it in the trash out of spite. You don’t want that stuff in yourContinue reading “Refinishing”
Office Chairs
Vintage from left to right: 1992, 2002, and 2022. Apparently, I’ve gotten taller. I don’t remember what the first one cost, but it was expensive to me when I bought it, so let’s go with $150. The middle, Aeron chair was a going away present (thanks, Yuriy and Anna), but listed for $800 at theContinue reading “Office Chairs”
Washing Dishes
It’s been years since I’ve had a working dishwasher. I’m finding it very handy. When your stuff is in boxes in a garage for a year, it gets dirty. Sending load after load through the automatic dish washer beats the heck out of washing everything by hand. Some notes on the experience. It’s a babyContinue reading “Washing Dishes”
Learning 2 Bake from Scratch XXXII
Macarons I saw Adam Ragusea’s simple (and very funny) macaron recipe and thought I’d give it a try. I did it wrong. I got the egg whites whipping, then dumped in everything else, not just the sugar. They’re awful. So no pictures or details until I make a second attempt.
The Narrative Be Framed
Good Country People, subtitled “America is far more complex than the hollow sentimentalism of its blind champions or the chaotic cynicism of its perpetual detractors”, is dreadful. It pretends to be an apologetic for conservatives, but it just reinforces the Leftist narratives that the Right are blind cheerleaders and America sucks. With friends like these…
Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – XXXI.75
Oreo Cake As you can see, I did it. I’m very pleased with the result. Why is this better? This is my first recipe by weight with a scale. I have to think that’s a factor. There’s a big height difference between an eight-inch and a nine-inch pan. My cake is shorter than the videoContinue reading “Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – XXXI.75”
Lunch
A trip to the hardware store: Another Craftsman battery (we only had the one that came with the weed-whacker). Fine sandpaper for the orbital sander to sand the end and coffee tables. Stain to (semi) match the stools for the end and coffee tables. Forgot another can of John Deere Green spray paint (for myContinue reading “Lunch”
Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – XXXI.25
Offset Spatula I have a lazy susan that I think will do nicely for turning a cake. I did not have an offset spatula. If you look back on this series, you will note a number of frosted cakes. I have been wanting one. So, with a new kitchen nearing completion, why not? “I betContinue reading “Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – XXXI.25”
Marked Up 