Physical therapy went really well yesterday. I little TLC mixed in with the PT. I came home, rested a bit and then baked a double batch of my sister, Diana's bread recipe. My farmhouse bread takes around five hours from start to finish and is completely mixed by hand. This one of Di's (she does other recipes, too) is quicker and easier, using a mixer and less time. Start to finish around three hours.
I'm using one of my old photographs this time because it's getting cooler outdoors already. I had one of the kitchen windows open, and when I scored my beautiful loaves to put into the oven, they all fell and got wrinkly tops. Handsome thought they were cool, but I wasn't as happy with the look of the finished products. They did rise some back in the oven, but not State Fair worthy by any stretch of the imagination.
One cool amendment I tried was adding cheese to one of the loaves. I also made a eight hamburger rolls, and added cheese to three of them. We tested one right out of the oven, and I'll definitely be doing that again! Next time I'll have picture-worthy loaves, too!
After baking, Handsome and I both got on our respective yard tractors and mowed an overdue lawn. With both of us manning the riding mowers, it takes about two hours. Actually, time flies when we do this, and we frequently wave to each other if we pass in the yard. It's kind of cute. As all the foot controls for my smaller mower are on the right side, it's no stress on the healing leg, and quite enjoyable to be out in the sunshine. Nevertheless, I iced my left knee after dinner for a little more TLC.
I forgot to take all my tomatoes out of the freezer last night, so my canning won't take place today. It's just as well. I'm going to take a break, pamper the knee, and try a little needlework today. I think I'm ready to concentrate on that fencing again!
We've got another sunny day and the temperature isn't forecast to reach 70º. Although Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, I was hoping for more warm weather. This season seems to have passed too quickly. Oh, Summer. We hardly knew ye. sigh I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I actually accomplished.
Bread looks delicious. I havent made bread in years. My sisters are getting into sour dough.
ReplyDeleteHi Bev:
DeleteMy sister, Jan and her daughter are having a ball with sourdough recipes and making it regularly. I did that years ago, and while we love the bread, learning all the intricacies and maintaining a starter is something I'm not interested in these days. Maybe when I "retire" for real. lol For now, I'm content with the breads, rolls, sweet breads, and artisan breads that I make. I'll barter with them for the sour dough. Thanks, dear.
xoxo
Donna
Mmmmm...falling temperatures and fresh bread...and freshly mowed grass! My, what a fine day! (Well, if you don't deal with allergies 😉)
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteAdd homemade soups and I'm all in! Sorry about the allergies. Some of my siblings and their kids have them, and I really feel for all of them - and you.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
The RC made sourdough bread earlier in the week and this time he added a bunch of different nuts and seeds - so good! Today has been cool and lots of rain showers which are so badly needed. Certainly is making me think of fall and, like you, I'm not ready.
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteRC's bread sounds delicious! My cheese bread is really good, but I need to improve on incorporating it throughout the loaf, rather than just a swirl inside. It's not real conducive to making sandwiches when the center wants to fall out. I'd better keep practicing! lol So glad you got your much needed rain. I'm hoping at this point that we have a little more warm weather before it goes cold for the rest of the year. I admit, though. This weather is awesome for sleeping at night.
xoxo
Donna
Sherryofcreateology: Fresh bread from the oven is lovin! I am amazed at all you are able to do this week already. Continued good healing my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry:
DeleteI couldn't agree more. Handsome said he loves walking in the back door and smelling spices, baking, and food cooking. That's my guy! (heart) Thank you, dear. I'm making sure I get in a rest break throughout the day. I don't want to backslide.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
Love the smell of homemade bread.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are able to do more things now.
Marilyn
There is nothing better than the smell of bread baking. So what if they don't look as pretty as you would like...sure it didn't hurt the taste one bit.
ReplyDelete