In a Rut, No More!

Four final-examinations down, just one more to go (which will take place tomorrow, May 9th) - I cannot believe that the "official" end of the school-year has finally arrived (well, after tomorrow)!

While I do love my university, and did enjoy all of my courses during this past school-year, it will certainly be a breath of fresh air to just "kick back" this summer and not have to worry about studying for an examination, preparing for a presentation, or working on "busy-work" assignments; and of course I am looking forward to my return to the kitchen, since I almost feel like a stranger to baking and cooking these days.

While I have not "fully returned" to the kitchen yet, a miracle did occur this past Tuesday night, around 8:00 p.m. - I had the urge to bake! Refusing to deny this urge, I scurried around to find my recipe-binder, looked over my "baking to-do list," and quickly went to the kitchen, before my baking-urge passed.

I must admit that I felt a little nervous about starting to bake at this point, since I was still feeling stressed about my exam the next day (and the fact that I have not baked in so long made me feel like my baking skills would not be "up to par") - however, I convinced myself to just relax, have fun, and bake something extra scrumptious!

I did play it a little safe this time, when choosing a recipe from my "baking to-do" list, since I did not want to run the risk of completely ruining a batch of baked goods; however, it was a new recipe from a cookbook that I have not used in quite some time, so I deserve at least a little credit for trying something new ;0) So what was the treat that ended my baking rut?



I baked a batch of the Chocolate Chip Cookies from the infamous Vegan with a Vengeance cookbook (which was my very first vegan cookbook - my mom bought it for me when I decided to make the switch from vegetarianism to veganism, back in March 2007). Although the cookies are small (about the size of a chocolate truffle), each bite packs in "so much flavor, that they take a long time to eat! you can really savor them!" (as quoted by my grandfather). My parents are quite addicted to these little cookies, loving their "soft, chewy texture, and the melted chocolate chips"; and I too am quite smitten with the "fresh out of the oven even though I baked them two days ago" texture (soft, gooey, and chewy, which is how all cookies should be, in my opinion).



Since the recipe makes about 3-dozen cookies (yes, that is a lot of cookies, haha), I made sure to pack some in a to-go container, to share with friends. These cookies really made for a delightful, flavorful study-break snack, for sure.

With just one examination standing between me and my summer-freedom, I cannot help but feel anxious and excited (and nervous, since my last examination will undoubtedly be the most difficult of them all) - especially since my baking rut is over! It truly is about time for VeggieGirl to get back into the kitchen, for some more baking adventures :0)