I remember a time years ago when I would eagerly participate in a cookie exchange during the holidays. Although never a die hard fan of cooking and baking, I still liked those types of traditions. My mom participated in many types of exchanges, like cookies, squares and loaves and since I lived at home until I got married, I would often help out with the baking of these goods. My mom had a very active social life (and still does) hence the many exchanges. She would bake for her choir, her bowling team, the gals she went to Bingo with and then there was her Euchre group. Busy little beaver, my mom. 
One of the things I loved about the baking my mom did was the time we got to spend talking and catching up. We would share stories from the week and reminisce about holidays and vacations past. It was a feel good time all around. If my sister was at home she would join in the fun and very often my aunt, my mom’s older sister, would bake with us as well. I learned a lot from these ladies and not just about baking (which I never did become good at, but I digress..)
When Doug and I were newly married I remember getting ready to participate in a cookie exchange; my very first one all on my own. I was a bit ambitious in the cookie I chose to make. No easy chocolate chip or sugar cookies for me. Nope, I was trying my hand at my mom’s shortbread recipe. At the time Doug worked an afternoon shift, so I had the house all to myself when I started to bake. The exchange was the next day and I was full of the promise of being the star because of the amazing treats I was gonna bring. Life was good.
Then, it wasn’t.
At least my children can smile when they bake with Nana…
If Doug were to pick up the story at this point this is what you would hear:
Upon his arrival home at about midnight on Baking Night, my husband walked into the kitchen eagerly anticipating a sweet treat after a long day at work. But instead of smelling fresh baked shortbread, the stench of something overheating filled the air. At a quick glance all Doug could see was flour everywhere, our cat Tango looking frenzied, the beaters smoking on the counter and the vertical blinds that hung over our sliding doors on the floor. When he found me, I was sitting on the kitchen floor crying.
It’s okay, go ahead and laugh. It’s taken me years, but I can finally look at a shortbread cookie without falling apart.
I think the part of me that now dislikes to bake has conveniently forgotten how I finished up that night, but my hubby has never let me forget. After calming me down, cleaning up the mess and hanging up the blinds, my wonderful husband shooed me off to bed and then spent the next hour or so baking. His creations turned out beautifully. They were a hit at the exchange. To this very day when we need something delicious baked it is Doug that takes over the reins. I know my limits and they end at a package of premixed cookie dough.
Now, I am sure you are wondering two things: did she take credit for the baking and how in the world did the vertical blinds end up on the floor? You will be happy to know that even though I was sorely tempted, the good Catholic school girl in me prevailed and I did not take credit for the baking. As for the blinds, well, during the craziness when, for some unknown reason I caused the beaters to overheat, I must have jumped back in a fright and stepped on poor Tango. The mixing bowl went flying, I went flying and so did the cat. He quite literally tried to climb the blinds, only to have them come crashing down along with the rest of the mess. True story.
Christmas is still a time for happy memories and the baking of yummy things, but I am more of an observer now. Trust me, it’s better that way.
Now that I have shared my pitiful baking story, do you have any cooking or baking mishaps to share with me? I would love to commiserate.
FT&PD
Suz
Read about another cookie making fiasco in this post “Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies – Recipe For Disaster.”
Or check out our success with “Marvelous Molasses Cookies.”
I love to bake, mostly because of my sugar addiction, but some of my creations definitely turn out nasty – especially if I’m trying to make a recipe healthier
I love to bake , BY MYSELF ! I do love baking with my daughter but when it comes to some things its just better by myself , I hate the mess afterward so as much as I love to bake I rarely do it anymore
How neat! I love to bake with the kids.
Its good to give them their own choice to decorate!
haha that story is the best! What a sweet fella you have there to come to your rescue!
My family seems to remember the 3 times in my life I burnt cookies and the one time I made a loaf with no baking soda. Yet they never mention the endless goodies they gulped up in seconds I baked over the years .
Omg I feel like I just read an entry in my OWN journal!!! I have baking mishaps EVERY TIME I attempt to make ANYTHING!! So I can’t even tell you one story that stands out as it happens all the time! I can tell you that every burnt bottom of every pan in my household has its own story to tell! Haha. Merry Christmas from one “observer” to another
Great story! That was pretty funny. I don’t mind baking, it’s regular cooking, like with meat and stuff, that I don’t like so much. I like baking things like muffins and squares but try to avoid things that need rolling out. I cannot roll properly.
Oh my, this is hilarious. Smoking beaters…. Did you know instore bakery stuff is really good?
LOL.. I guess baking is just not for some
May I suggest visiting shopbake.com and picking up some goodies that you can TELL everyone that YOU made!
I don’t like to cook….but I will gratefully do all the clean-up for anyone who has cooked for me and my family!
That is a hilarious story you posted. It really made my day. I am not that of a baker but I remember the first time I tried baking. Lets just say I was really surprised with the end result
Thanks John, I am glad you enjoyed it.
I hope that your surprise was a good one. 
haha fun story
I love to cook and bake.. This one time I tried making tuna noodle casserole and somehow it turned to a soup which was disgusting.
LOL, that would be a tough one to swallow Francine, LOL.
Suzanne, that was a riot! OMG! I can just see you…and Doug coming to the rescue. Listen, forget the book, write a script for a TV comedy. I can see a whole 1/2 show there! Lots of laughs! I love to bake…..in my head! Yep! I, too, turn out lots of creative and delicious wonders ….. as I read recipes. However, they do not come to fruition too often. Thanks for a great laugh!
WOW Suzanne I vaguely remember that story. I do remember that Doug has done all the baking, lol.
I have also had some disasters in my baking years, and one not too long ago, I forgot to put the oil in
my loaf, but we were still able to eat it.
Love you Mom
I love the honesty of this story and you painted the scene very well. I have had many baking disasters and it usually comes to down to the decorating part. In my mind I can decorate a cake or cookie like I see on pinterest until it comes time to do it. I don’t know why I always think I can do it when I can’t even draw on paper.
This was hilarious to read, though I suspect that you were nearly at the end of your tether. Good that Doug came to the rescue. At least he does the important baking now which is a huge plus for you – no more worrying about results eh?
I remember burning cookies to a crisp one time. My oldest son was so sad until I said we could make some more. Thankfully the second batch was perfect.
Baking is tricky. What works for one doesn’t work for another. Ovens vary a great deal. Just when you think you have it down, you have to get a new oven and start all over.
Haha my baking comes out worse- there’s one time I even forgot to add in eggs!
LOL..I suck at baking but every year at Christmas my daughter and I bake for whole family!! Lately my daughter kicks me out of the room!!
Oh, I feel this so much. That’s why I only use those pre-made mixes for baking. My family thinks I’m a great baker too and doesn’t know my secret!
I love baking. But trust me I’ve had many disasters and nearly gave up trying
My worst was my sons first bday party and the dr thought he was dairy intolerant so I made a cake with so good. Soy milk. The batter looked fine and i baked it as normal and put the skewer in and it was wet. Back in out check Sev HOURS later I gave up and bought a sponge and the birds had a fine feed. Took me many goes to get it right with the so good lol
My kids like to bake. I have also been teaching them to cook dinners etc. They love it
Evertime I bake something goes wrong
lol i find baking very stressful. I can be in the kitchen all day, just not baking!
My granddaughter would love these
LOVE TO BAKE NEW DISHES
It doesn’t always come naturally! I remember so many times trying to bake cookies “by myself” and my mom would get so mad that I’d wasted all her ingredients on a batch that just didn’t turn out like cookies… I usually forgot some crucial ingredient or another!!!!
I would eat those cookies! I am horrible at baking.
I leave my baking up to my sister, she is the real BAKER
what a great story thanks for sharing
haha
Something that seems so frustrating makes a funny story for the future
I’ve had a few unpredictable baking disasters and always worry when I have to bake something that I have to take to a function.
I like your story it was fun to read I think disaters can happen no matter how experienced a cook you are