Up to my same old tricks!

Satisfaction guaranteed...It seems that in the little bit of free time I have had lately I have spent it baking bread (yes the same recipe..thanks again grandma!)

This time I do think I improved though. I found the kneading much easier, and I didn't get over excited and add an extra few cups of flour! I also decided formed half of the dough into rolls. I think placed a metal pan in the bottom of the oven as it preheated. When I was ready to bake I poured a cup of hot water into the pan which immediately turned to steam and helped to form a nice crisp crust on my bread. Very fun!

And as for knitting...well the same old thing on that front too! I am about to have mittens coming out of my ..eh...ears. I am happy to report though that I am finished! All eleven pairs have been delivered and should be on there way to keep somebody else's hands warm.
Which is finally necessary here in Michigan as we just started getting snow for pretty much the first time this year (!!) yesterday morning.

I am now off to knit anything my little heart desires :) and watch CSI...its going to be a nice night.

Do It like Your Grandma Taught You...

I am so lucky. My grandma taught me and my best friend Meredith how to bake her homemade bread shortly before christmas time. And let me tell you "grandma's Homemade bread" is so so so yummy.

So yesterday I finally kicked my butt into gear (after I found out my Meredith was already on her 3rd rising and about to get hers in the oven!) and I went out bought some bread pans, lots of flour and yeast and got to work. Now I have to admit, I think I am going to need a lot more practice. My first attempt at kneading was met with sticky dough covering my hands and the quick addition of extra flour.


But I loved every step. Watching the yeast activate, getting covered in flour, and coming back every half hour to see that the dough has doubled in size. Very satisfying.



And nothing can compare to the smell of freshly baked bread tickling your nose as you eagerly wait for it to cool so you can cut off that first slice. Much to my glee (and relief) it turned out! And luckily it made 4 loaves because my mom came home with her friends and they polished off a whole loaf within minutes. Talk about an ego boost.



I had someone ask about my labels. The ones tied to the package are just printed on heavy card stock. The cloth labels I sewed on the inside I made myself with a little help from our friend the iron-on transfer! Adding that personal touch is way worth the extra bit of effort.