Why is it that events such as SHF and IMBB always take me by surprise every month? You would think that, by now, I might remember them and make something at some point BEFORE 8pm that night. You would think. But I never seem to do that. I mean I of all people should be able to get things done in advance, what with having the list of what is coming up for SHF from now until next January!

This month was particularly difficult. I haven't been cooking nearly as much as I would like to lately, because I managed to wrangle myself another job and am now working twice as much as I was...I have to pay for all those delectable kitchen gadgets somehow! So cooking and baking and writing have all taken sort of a back seat to work these days...hopefully I'll get back on track - and in the kitchen - very soon.

When Derrick suggested molasses (mmm, black and sticky) as his theme ingredient I got very excited...I think I even did a little dance right there on the sofa in front of my computer. I had thought he'd chose something alcoholic (Derrick being Derrick) and I would have to really stretch the old imagination to bake with it. Then it did briefly cross my mind that he might go a bit nuts and chose foie gras...and at that thought I literally shivered. But molasses? Very cool. It is just such a wonderful addition to so many desserts.

Just the smell of molasses brings back so many memories for me. It is such a strong, distinct scent that once it's registered in your olfactory memory it stays there forever. Right now I am suddenly remembering one afternoon when I was about 12 and my mom showed me how to make her amazing gingerbread. I dipped my finger into the molasses as she poured it so I could taste the dark liquid that smelled so delicious. Not being one to stop someone from learning a valuable lesson, my mom didn't stop me. I was shocked at the horribly bitter taste and yet at the same time, quite intrigued at how something that tastes so strange could taste so delicious in cake.

Right now as I'm typing this I can still smell the molasses I used in my molasses sponge candy - a burnt, almost charcoal-like smell that permeates the kitchen from the spot where it's sitting on the counter. It is bringing back memories and making me want to get back into the kitchen and bake something else. Perhaps tomorrow; this weekend looks as though it is going to be chock full of horrible weather and I think I might try to spend most of it in the kitchen.