Cookie Cutters & Popcorn Garland

December 16, 2010 - Christmas baking is on on my mind. Baking in general is a new venture for me, this being said I am without tools; who knew there were so many tools needed for baking cookies and tarts? A rolling pin, mixing bowls, icing piping bags and tips. And of course a gingerbread man is just an awkward blob without a cookie cutter.
You'd think living in Toronto I would be able to find a kitchen store that sells a cookie cutter or two, especially at Christmastime. But you'd be wrong. Canadian Tire - no. Sears - nope. The Bay - nadda. Home Sense - waste of time. In desperation I headed to the over-priced William & Sonoma thinking I couldn't go wrong, and although they did carry a selection of cool Star Wars cookie cutters, the only gingerbread man they had was $20.00, and looked more like a creepy real person than a cute little gingerbread character. I walked toward home disappointed and without the essential tool to complete my task. Along the way I popped into the St. Lawrence Market to pick up some ingredients for dinner. As I stepped into the centre of the hall, wouldn't you believe it - the heavens opened up, choirs of angels sang and a holy light shone on what was the most beautiful collection of cookie cutters I had ever seen.
Placewares, on the upper level in the St. Lawrence Market is THE PLACE to go for all things kitchen and especially cookie cutters. I needed a tiny little star cutter for the tops of my mincemeat pies - and they had it, I couldn't believe it! Not to mention the traditional gingerbread men (and women) in all sizes and types. Any type of cutter you can think of, they will be sure to have it. They have it all, and the prices are very reasonable. While there I also picked up a meat thermometer, a new measuring cup, my icing bags and tips, and some sprinkles.

Popcorn Garland
I ventured into the realm of popcorn garland last night. I've never made it for a tree before, but our little old tree needed a garland, and we had popcorn, a thread and a needle in the house - so it cost me nothing. To give the garland a pop of colour and pizazz I added a cranberry after every fifth kernel. I think it looks great on our tree, but it takes a REALLY long time to do it yourself. If you have kids, this is a great project for them to do while watching their favourite Christmas movie. Just make sure to make a bowl of popcorn for snacking, otherwise the project will take a lot longer ;)