Posts tagged ‘bread’
If you have had a one-on-one conversation with me in the last week or so chances are you’ve heard me going on about my new bread-making obsession. I’ve probably even pulled out my phone to show you the latest pictures like a proud new parent.
Making my own bread has always eluded me due to my lack of understanding how yeast, kneading, punching, and proofing all work. Thanks to the Magical Inspiration Land (also known as Pinterest) I found a recipe for home made bread that works for me because there is very little work involved.
For the last week or so I have been able to make a small loaf of bread that feeds my little family all day long. New day? New bread. No problem.
It’s a sick obsession my husband will be first to admit. Each morning I get up and turn the oven on almost as hot as it will go (you know, perfect for summer) and then I pat and pull my little baby (er… loaf) into shape and let it rest for a while before it can go inside the steamy hot oven.
When it comes out I turn it over and pat its bottom – making sure it sounds airy. Then it sits on the counter and if I’m lucky it makes some crackly noises. I love those sounds. My house smells amazing in the morning. And I float around the house smiling silently screaming, “I made BREAD! Good crispy chewy flavorful tasty BREAD!”
Not only is my bread delicious on its own but we’re learning to love all the great things that become even greater thanks to it’s ability to hold food. Nutella on home made bread? It’s god’s gift to snacking.
There’s only one problem.
But it’s nothing a little extra exercise and some darn good shape wear won’t fix.
We all know bread making is magical mystical business. I have had many failures. Finally though a sweet victory. Picture this. It was a late and gorgeous evening. Kid was asleep. Husband was working. I was “hungry bored” which means I was about to consume the entire contents of my pantry while looking at things online or I was going to focus and make something.
After just one pantry raid I came upon this recipe from a site called Tammy’s Recipes by way of random internet search. It looked easy enough so I gave it a go – although I like to be creative so I had to make a couple changes. Here’s what I did: Read more
More food posts? When will I paint again? Good question.
Yesterday my copy of Adam Roberts’ book The Amateur Gourmet came in the mail. I’m halfway done. I knew I would like it. I didn’t know I’d fall head over heels. Recipes, food-disaster/ecstasy stories…brilliant. I love Adam – he’s funny. Of course I knew that because I’ve been scouring his blog for the last few months since I entered my attention starved food obsessed phase. Also known as my thirties. Read more
Turns out that whole metaphor for pregnancy – having a bun in the oven – isn’t all that far off. Making your own bread, much like making your own human, is actually tricky business! Sure some people get lucky with perfect kitchen temperature conditions and have bread dough that rises to its fullest potential. Others, like me, simply can’t make bread (or babies) by simply following instructions. There’s magic involved and that’s all there is to it. Read more
