Things have been so crazy around here that I haven’t even had time to really use and appreciate my new countertops. We still don’t have the backsplashes done. We’re waiting on the granite on the left side of the kitchen to be replaced before we can have the backsplashes done and until the backsplashes are done, the under cabinet lighting isn’t hooked up so wires are hanging out everywhere. Half the plugs in the kitchen work and half don’t, none of the plugs at the new cabinets are hooked up so the mixer and everything has been moved back into the kitchen .. but only til the backsplashes are done and the electric plugs are hooked up again.
Yesterday I rolled out cookie dough and a batch of dumplings and I’m in love with these countertops!
Dumplings
I forgot how many dumplings my recipe makes. When Chad was around, we had to fight to get a few bowls of them for ourselves and without him at home, Vince and I may be eating dumplings til Easter.
Dumplings
Vince was watching a movie and I hollered for him to come see how nice it was with the new countertops . . though really it was something you had to experience rather than just see. Had he been using the countertop with those 4″ square tiles and the wide horrible grout lines, I’m betting this countertop would have been replaced within weeks of moving in here! He’s still having a hard time finding inner peace with the amount of money for the new counters, when “the others worked just fine”!
He assured me that a big granite square placed on top of my work area would have been sufficient.
Dumplings
Really? That would take a pretty big piece of granite to provide as much work space as I need! Too bad . . it’s done and I love it!
Cookies
And then it was time to make cookies. I only make one cookie sheet’s worth at a time because I will sit down and eat every one of them once they’re iced and decorated. I do love sugar cookies with icing. I almost missed getting to make them since I had completely run out of baker’s ammonia. If you click the link, that’s where I ordered mine. The shipping was free and they were quick, and I was thankful. I ran out of the baker’s ammonia last Christmas and since I mostly only use it at Christmas, I planned to wait til closer to this Christmas to order it and then . . as with most everything else, I totally forgot.
Baker’s ammonia is also called Hartshorn. King Arthur also has it and it’s less if you’re ordering other things and getting free shipping but to order just the baker’s ammonia, and pay shipping, it’s less from the Amazon link above. The baker’s ammonia really makes a difference in my rolled out sugar cookies and in the springerle cookies.
Dumplings
While the cookies were baking, the dumplings were done and it was time for dinner.
My new countertops were a great investment and I will be so happy to get everything finished and have my kitchen put back together again.
Debbie Rhodes says
I can only imagine how much better the granite is … at least mine are flat… I have always wanted a good 20″ square of marble.. guess I should have told Santa!!!
Deborah says
And speaking of rolled dumplings, would you post the recipe that you use? Mine never really turn out that great.
And have a blessed Christmas.
Rosie Davis says
Judy, exactly what is the function of Bakers Amonia?
Sherrill says
I have never heard of baker’s ammonia and don’t recall ever even running across a recipe for it!! What does it do to make the cookies so much better?
Glenda in Florida says
OK, inquiring minds want to know–do your recipes call for this, or are you substituting for baking powder or baking soda, or just adding it in as an extra ingredient?
Donna Williams says
Dumplin’s and sugar cookies, my 2 faves! And so glad you like your countertops!
Denise ~ justquiltin says
My favorite recipe of Granny’s for sugar cookies uses the baker’s ammonia. I haven’t made it in years. We used to be able to get it from our little village corner pharmacy from the druggist. 🙂
Lee says
One is never too old to learn! I had never heard of Baker’s Ammonia or Hartshorn so I Googled it. Now I know!
Cactus says
Your dumplings look like what my family calls Grandma’s Noodles, because our grandmother made them. Just flour, salt, lard and cold water. I always have to make a big batch – at least double the recipe. I am redoing my kitchen also and debating granite or laminate. I bake bread and pastries, so am really leaning towards granite. I think you have convinced me to go that route! I am adding extra cabinets and countertops to the “new” kitchen – probably more than double what I have now. You can never have too many cabinets or countertops in a kitchen.
Jackie says
I can’t imagine rolling out dumplings or cookies on tiled countertops – or even bread. A slab of marble big enough would be too heavy to lift safely I would think.
I’ve never even heard of Bakers Ammonia so I’m off to read what you’ve linked to.
Stephani in N. TX says
The new granite counters are beautiful and look even better with dumpling and cookie dough on them. Be sure to serve some Christmas cookies off them so Vince can get a better appreciation. I bet they are underutilized in most kitchens that have granite, but oh are they wonderful for those who do more than heat TV dinners or to-go food. They do have a purpose. Merry Christmas Judy & Vince, Speck, and all the chicks too.
Susan says
I’m so glad you are happy with the new counters. I can easily see how much nicer that is than the tiles! I haven’t ever used baker’s ammonia, but then I haven’t made a lot of cookies until this year. Mostly I make drop cookies, though my son would certainly like it if I made those sugar cookies!
Mel Meister says
Yummm… I’d love the whole dumplings and gravy recipe. My mouth is watering.
Amy M says
Have a great Christmas. I so enjoy reading your blog…. it has been a real treat.
And the counters look great being put to such good use!