I came. I saw. I baked. But I did not conquer, as evidenced by the final product for my first "from scratch" initiative. There are no marks for presentation (damn food colouring! The batter was pink and green, I swear); however, they are pretty good. Not Eaton's Department Store-level good, but good considering my skill level. Baked with love, care and a whole lotta butter, my parents will be proud when they get to taste test them on Thanksgiving. At any rate, after this many years I'm sure they've learned how to hide their grimace well.

BONUS: I also now know what almond paste looks like! To think of all the time I spent in the Colgate aisle searching for it: