Cooking and Baking in China

While we were in China we did quite a bit of cooking and baking. One of my favorite things is to cook with other people. I was so excited to be able to try my baking skills in a Chinese kitchen.

Jon and I brought chocolate chips with us for Christmas. Lisa, my mother-in-law, requested that we bring them. It is very difficult for her to get items like these in China. When she does find chocolate chips they are extremely expensive.

The second morning we were in China, Jon, Josh, and I woke up early to make chocolate chip pancakes for everyone.

Jon and Josh made the chocolate chip pancakes, while I took pictures. There is a limited amount of counter space so they decided to work at the table..

This is the kitchen in Jon's parents apartment. The counters are very short.

This is the other half of the kitchen. In this picture you can see the gas stove, microwave, and part of an oven. My mother-in-law has three ovens, because they are about the same size as a microwave.

This is the rest of the kitchen. To the right you can see their fridge and freezer, it is white. Next to that at the very top is the dryer and two ovens. To the left are cabinets that store dishes and various baking/cooking supplies.

This is the view from the kitchen window. We were five stories up. Jon's parents apartment looks just like those outside the window.

I was in charge of washing and cutting strawberries, so that we could have them with our pancakes.

Jon starting the gas stove. He prefers cooking over gas, which we do not have at home.

Jon and Josh finishing up the chocolate chips pancakes. They were so yummy!

Later the next week on Christmas Eve, Michelle and I were put in charge of making all of the cookies. Michelle and I worked hard to get lots cookies made. We made Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, DeBlaeij Cookies, and Sugar Cookies.

It was weird baking in China, because the ingredients are different. The white sugar in China is much more coarse than the white sugar in the U.S. The cookies tasted great, but they just turned out a little bit differently then they do when I make them at home.

Michelle and I wore each wore an apron. She is such a cute baker.

While trying to melt chocolate, Michelle caught the potholder on fire.

Thankfully, my mother-in-law was gracious to forgive us for our carelessness.

Maddy came to help us too!

Michelle and I with the sugar cookie dough.

When it came time to bake the DeBlaeij Cookies, we told the guys that if they wanted to eat, they needed to help us bake.

The guys added a lot of jam, which makes the cookies taste even better!

The cookies baking in the tiny little oven. The guys were determined to get as many cookies on the pan as possible. The cookies almost looked square, because they were so close together. It was so nice to have their help!

The finished product!

By way of an updated I just wanted to let you all know that I only gained 3 pounds over the three weeks I was gone. I am so excited about this!!