What Do You Dabble In?

[DeeCee36]

Mahjong.

[sbinaz]

I dabble in trying to make my own prickly pear syrup every year. So far I’ve tried 2 yr in a row. Year 1: results were pretty bad. Tasted a little bitter. Not enough sugar added. Also needed more lemon.

Year 2: much better. Didn’t burn off the spines that time, but had to strain the heck out of it. Still needs a little extra something. But did I write down what I did?

Of course not.

So this August, am gonna try again. Entire process is very labor intensive!

[sabaray]

I dabble in what I would call “home ec” types of activities. Right now I am working on my pastry skills. I dabble in needlepoint. I don’t even pretend to dabble in housekeeping - it’s a lost cause at this point! I enjoy sketching and am dabbling with drawing birds. Gardening will require real effort and commitment this year, so no dabbling.

I will get every supply I need for a project/hobby, do it for a while and then I’m either all in or a dabbler. Only rarely do I quit altogether.

[abasket]

I want to know what kind of pastry you’re experimenting with!

I do the same in terms of supplies - get all that are recommended - unless it’s a huge expense….

[sabaray]

I am obsessed with French pastry. I purchased a book - “French Pastry Made Easy” by Molly Wilkinson, an American living in the village of Versailles. From there it escalated to signing up for her online baking school. This year she has had us “travelling” through the various regions of France to make things like an apple tart from Normandy, walnut cake from Nouvelle-Acquitaine, some cakes from Brittany, crepes and galettes I’ve definitely dabbled with, croquembouche and buche de Noel. I really like her book - it’s a good tutorial with simple puff pastry recipes, etc. and more affordable than the online school (but it is 100% worth it if that’s your thing!).

[momofboiler1]

I dabble in gardening. Especially this time of year. I’m still not great at knowing what my plants need but I enjoy it more and more every year. Our little veggie garden will get planted in a few weeks. Nothing fancy - tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and lots of herbs. I’ve started drying my own herbs at the end of the season so they last me through the winter. Also will do a final harvest of the green tomatoes, slow roast them and then freeze.

[abasket]

Wow I love this. It’s probably out of my price range but this would be an AMAZING gift for my D and SIL! What a wonderful dabble!

[abasket]

And of course, dabble in the gardening thread here too!

[sabaray]

Not to get off topic - I just looked and I paid $252 for the year. Live classes each month and professional recorded classes to refer back to. All the recipes and supplies you need as well. She also offers additional “one off” classes for special desserts that you can purchase. You can also sign up for free recipes to be emailed to you and she has a number of recipes on her website.

[abasket]

Actually good price - thank you!