Category Archives: You can do this.

Time Spent, You can do this.

Time Spent: Loafin’ around

My second attempt with the Yeaster Bunn created a reasonably good loaf, given all the mistakes I made. This time I forgot to cover the top during the rise and while it doubled in size (yay), the top got a bit dried out preventing it from growing, and even when splitting the top to allow for some oven spring, it only rose a bit. But – that is progress! It was tasty and I got two loaves of pretty good sandwiches from this week’s attempt.

If you don’t know what a sourdough starter is or how to use it – I like this process because it is slow. You can’t rush the natural yeast and fermentation, and I think the bread (even when not perfect) is tastier and more filling than the quicker rise of commercial yeast.  I love that the bread can be as simple as just water and flour on the ingredients list. I have only found one bakery that produces a loaf that is nearly as good as homemade – but that is hard for me to get and requires bridges, tunnels and tolls.

I could list a hundred different websites that tell you a bunch of variations on the process, but this link is a good overview with photos that are helpful.

The entire sourdough process is slow, patient and generally pretty forgiving, which is why I love to keep trying. Even when the results are not photo worthy, the steps are pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable. The skill of owning and baking with a sourdough starter is often referred to as both an art and a science.

I have tried the ‘science’ way of doing everything on a schedule and by measured amounts and I grew frustrated as my pet grew limp – so determined to try again, I am going with the ‘art’ approach this time.  I eyeball and play with it – and pretend I am baking back in the day before nutrition labels and measure cups. So far the Yeaster Bunn and I are much happier finding our way together with the occasional web search or book reference.

Two of my favorite books that I reference are:

King Arthur Whole Grain Baking – a great resource for flour and baking

Forgotten Skills of Cooking – probably available used, but that is the best because you benefit from the notes of the previous owner!

 

Holiday Fun, Simple Solutions, You can do this.

Wreath Emergency

Last year we were scrambling to get all the boxes and bags and decoration wrapping cleaned up – and I admit – shoved back into the closet unorganized – as some friends were coming for dinner.

After everything was tucked away, I realized that we had three very pretty, but really plain green wreaths.  The only thing left out was wrapping supplies, and when I opened the box – to my surprise I found about 50 6″ pieces of random holiday ribbon.  I don’t know why they were there, if in this long forgotten box I had stashed these dozens of book marks? Cinnamon stick ties? Reminders for my finger? I have no idea why I had so many, so short pieces of ribbon.

But – they soon were added to my wreaths on the door, and over the fireplace for a very simple, casual solution to my naked greens. One easy knot on each, and there we are.  A simple, easy, fun solution.

wreath-emergency