I Couldn't Help Myself...

I started my day hand mixing a double batch of farmhouse bread, and during it's first and second rise, I packaged my homemade brownie, cookie and corn muffin mixes. I was feeling quite accomplished already, and then I decided to make cinnamon rolls.

I made a double batch of rolls, and believe me, they're not all staying here! I'm going to surprise my overworked boss, Kim with some this afternoon adding a few extras for people I know will be at work when I drop by. (I don't work again until tomorrow.) I'm also taking some to Andy and Shelly when I drop off their bread, too.

The nicest part is that when I bake bread, I also make hamburger buns (believe me, they're not as big as they look in the photo!), and when the kitchen is finally closed after a full day, I can make a simple meal for Handsome and me using those rolls. Last night it was homemade hamburgers and American fries. 

All in all, it was a very productive and satisfying day. Even so, I never got to sit down to work on my bluebirds, so that's my plan for today. Sit and stitch. Period. Well, except that I'll take a break early afternoon to deliver cinnamon rolls to my favorite boss. I'll need to stretch my legs by then anyway. 

Happy May Day!!

 

Baking Day...

Baking Day at Hickory Hill Farm

It was a very productive day. Handsome took this photograph before the cinnamon rolls were cool. I frosted them about a half hour later.

No. We won't eat all this ourselves. We share bread with Andy and Shelly next door, and the rest of the loaves freeze well until we need it. We'll only keep four of the cinnamon rolls. One batch goes up the hill with bread, and the two trays in front are sold. The rolls are for a couple burgers tonight, and the rest will freeze, too.

We did get a lot of blowing snow yesterday, so it really was nice to stay indoors and warm. The "barn" girls (yeah. Not so much anymore.) didn't want a thing to do with the white stuff. They chose to stay indoors, but as we have no Labrador litter box, the big girls went outside. Bella greeted the snow like an old friend. She ran around like a puppersnapper. Carly, on the other paw, just wanted to do her business and get back inside. That's okay. Handsome didn't want to hang around outside either.

I'm delivering cinnamon rolls to Fond du Lac this morning, doing a little grocery shopping, and dropping off baked treats for our dear neighbors. Once back home, I'll stitch some more on the bluebirds until it's time to put in my three hours at work. I'm not going to share my needlework until I get more done than I have so far. Probably Monday.

Happy Friday, y'all!

A Good Day To Bake…

 

Farmhouse Sandwich Bread

The weather was perfect for baking, and making something warm and delicious for dinner. 

I made and baked four beautiful loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread, and then, Handsome 

and I made a hearty beef stew together. 

As we sat down to dinner, the wind was howling against the farmhouse as it was bringing with it a driving rain. The dogs had been fed, the barn cats were fed, safe and warm in their beds, and the house smelled of warm bread and stew.

The changes in the weather make my hands hurt, so yesterday was better spent not stitching. I’ll try that again today. I’m not complaining. I truly love homekeeping and making delicious things for and with my husband. It was a good day. Today will be, too. Living a joyful and creative life.

Busy In The Kitchen...

Brynwood Needleworks - Yummy Cookies

 

I spent all day in the kitchen yesterday. While Wednesday was perfect weather for an outside gathering, yesterday - in typical Wisconsin fashion - the weather was many degrees cooler and raining all day.

 

It was bread making day, so as I waied for the bread to go through four proofing stages, I made a double batch of chocolate chip and hickory nut cookies. I timed it just right, because, as the last of eight dozen cookies came out of the oven, it was time for the bread to be formed into loaves.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Freshly Baked Bread and Rolls

 

I made three loaves and nine hamburger-type rolls (from the same recipe). You may notice there are only eight rolls, but shouldn't one always share a hot, fresh from the oven buttered roll with their sweetheart? I thought so, too! 

You might notice all the birds on the feeder right outside the window. We had cardinals, finches, indigo buntings, Baltimore orioles, four hummingbirds now, sparrows, chickadees, and a couple others I can't identify (yet). It was fun to watch all of them while it rained outside, and I was working inside.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Homemade Chili and Rolls

Once everything came out of the oven, Handsome helped me make up a batch of homemade chili. He cut up the beef roast, while I chopped onions and celery. I browned those ingredients in a large pot, added our home canned tomatoes from last season, and finished with commercially canned (Bush's) chili beans.

 

Everything stewed together until dinner time, when I topped the steaming hot chili with shredded cheese and a spoonful of sour cream. Of course, we each had a roll on the side. We decided this was a great day to end a rainy Wisconsin day. 

I'm running up to Menasha this morning to pick up the current Wool Box. I wonder what Lisa has in store for her subscribers this time? Can't wait  to see. It's like Christmas every two months! Once I get back home, I'll be back in the studio, working on my "Everlasting" quilt. After seeing Karen's on Wednesday, I'm inspired to finish mine now.

Well, That's More Like It!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Sandwich Bread

THIS is what they're supposed to look like! Instead of French loaves, though, I decided to bake up a double batch of Farmhouse Sandwich Bread. One went up the hill to our dear neighbors, one into the breadbox, and the rest into the freezer. The house smelled of delicious baked bread today, and my confidence is back up. 

I did manage to do a little needlework yesterday, but didn't get pictures before it got dark outside. I'll do more today, so I'll share photos tomorrow. It's raining as I write this post, and that's a good thing. We've had burn advisories for a while now, and we can really use the rain. Nothing as lovely as stitching on a rainy day...except adding a cup of hot tea. Yes. Quite lovely, indeed.

The Staff of Life...

Brynwood Needleworks - Baking Farmhouse Sandwich Bread

I'm up to my ears in lovely yeasty goodness. I baked four loaves of Farmhouse Sandwich Bread yesterday, and will be making French bread today. I'm stocking up the freezer for when Handsome gets back home - and I'm planning ahead for my upcoming surgery. I'm going to have a weight lifting limit of five pounds for at least eight weeks, so I'll have to take it easy.

 

I'm going to rest - and stitch or sew - on Sunday. Today, I'm going to enjoy some kitchen time. Handsome will be so happy when he comes home to homemade bread (and other baked goodies).

The Smell Of Fresh Baked Bread...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fresh Out Of The Oven

 

There's nothing quite like the aroma of warm bread lifting throughout the farmhouse. It lingers on a cold day, and promises a tasty meal to come. Such was our day yesterday. 

Four fresh loaves of Farmhouse Sandwich bread, perfectly baked, with just the right crunch in the crust. Seeing Handsome's reaction always makes me smile.

Monday afternoon we drove over to the local orchard to get a bushel of LindaMac apples (hybrid Macintosh, as they were out of Macs). So, today, the farmhouse will smell of apples cooking down. Soon the pantry will be filled with more jars. We'll have Autumn all Winter in the form of delicious applesauce. 

 

The best part? Handsome helps. This is a project we always do together, and we both enjoy the work. After all, more hands make the load lighter, and the task easier. Right? Right!

Baking Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - He Rests When He Can

 

That puppy wears him out, so while she was taking a nap in her kennel, Tag wanted to catch a quick forty winks, too. He knows there's nothing for him in the kitchen when I'm baking bread, so he doesn't even bother. Well, not until it's baked anyway.

I cleaned the house from top to bottom first, dusting, vacuuming, putting things away that have a tendency to end up on a table or chair...that sort of thing. I no sooner rearranged and cleaned the living room that Tag didn't jump right into this chair.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Sandwich Loaves Today

 

I didn't start this batch of bread until after 2 pm. It was so hot outside, that I really had to force myself, but Handsome reminded me that he needed bread for his lunch sandwiches, so I just dawdled until mid-afternoon.

 

These beautiful loaves came out of the oven around 8 pm, and this picture was taken right before I put them into bread bags.

 

I'm going to process the last 18 pounds from the bushel of tomatoes I got over the weekend. I'm going to turn them into salsa. I went downstairs to check my stock of canning lids, and sighed a sigh of relief that I'd actually bought enough at the end of the season to be able to can what I still want to put up this season...applesauce, more stewed tomatoes, and pears from Shelly and Andy's tree between our yards. You do know about the shortage of canning lids, don't you? They're nowhere to be found this season, because all the Covid gardeners are canning their bounty. If I plan to do anything once my lids are gone, I'll have to freeze, rather than can, but according to my calculations, I should be just fine this year.

 

I contacted Shelly yesterday to ask if I could have some of the pears from their tree, and she graciously said yes. Are you surprised that one of these loaves is going up to their house today? Sharing my baking with them is the least I can do.  

Well, I'm gonna run. Coffee, and then canning. At least I can enjoy a clean kitchen (and house) while I play. 

I've been thinking about all those in the path of Hurricane Laura. I hope you're safe and sound, and you're constantly in my prayers.

 

Kitchen Fun...

Brynwood Needleworks - Weekend Breadmaking at The Farmhouse

I had a fun weekend. On Saturday morning, I posted a question in my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group, asking if there were any subjects our members would like me to use for live video sessions.

One request was for me to share some bread making tips and techniques. Well, as it happened, I had planned to make bread, so I asked Handsome for his help, and we got right after it!

I didn't share the initial measuring and mixing steps, which in retrospect I should have, but from then on, we did small videos until the bread was finished. I'm going to do the first part in another video later this week or on the weekend.

Brywood Needleworks - Five Finished Loaves

There are four separate videos showing how I handle the dough, how to set it up for proofing, separating into loaves, and then baking. The videos are far from professional, but there were a lot of comments, participants, and I think I may have even inspired a few friends to get out their supplies to try to make their own bread.

Brynwood Needleworks - Ready For Toast

 

My back is feeling much better, so I'm going to be prepping fabrics for masks today, with plans to sew again tomorrow. Spring has decided to take its time, so we'll stay warm and cozy in the farmhouse. I checked the forecast in Florida, and it looks like Bella is enjoying weather in the high 80s, while poor Tag is still running around in damp grass and 30-40º weather. Good thing he has a nice, heavy fur coat to wear outside!

 

Let me know if you have a subject you'd like me to cover in a Facebook live video. Just go over to the group and leave a comment. Needlework? Sewing? Fun in the farmhouse kitchen? I'm curious to know. I hope you've found new and creative ways to spend your days. Have a good week.

Stay Home. Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.

 

You Don't Have To Run To The Store...

Brynwood Needleworks Farmhouse Bread

 

All of you know by now that I've taken classes at our local technical college to learn how to make a wide variety of breads. My recipes and techniques range from artisan loaves to sweet dough recipes that can take anywhere from three - 24 hours to make. My larder is always full of the supplies I need to make whatever we need, but not everyone has the time nor the inclination to spend hours from mixing to proofing to baking. 

 

Now that we're being asked to stay in our homes and away from non-family members, I know some of you are concerned about providing for yourself and your loved ones. What if the stores run out of bread, too?

 

For that reason, I'm sharing two recipes I came across yesterday, to give all of you hope that you can actually make delicious bread for your family in the event the shelves are empty at your local (or not so local) store. These are simple and require only a few ingredients.

White Soda Bread - image property of A Fanciful Twist Blog

The first recipe is from Vanessa Valencia of "A Fanciful Twist" blog. It's called Easy White Soda Bread. Not only are you given a recipe, but Vanessa also offers tips and substitutes for you, including non-dairy alternatives. You can find her recipe HERE.

Navajo Flat Bread - image property of Nauvoo Mercantile

If you're a fan of Na'an/Navajo Flatbread/Tortillas, you'll love this recipe, too. Thanks to Dena Kennedy or Nauvoo Mercantile, you can serve bread to your family in less than two hours. Click HERE for the link to her post.

I'm going to try both of them this weekend. If you give 'em a go, please let me - and the original contributors know what you think! I'm glad that Handsome and I are relatively self-sufficient. In fact, this summer, my plan is to plant our own 2020 version of a Victory Garden! If only I knew how to grow toilet paper! lol

 

 

PS. I'm going to include the link to this post on my "Recipes" page in my menu bar (up top), so you'll know where to find it again later.

I (Mostly) Rested...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Bread

 

It's going to get crazy around the farm pretty darn soon. So, last weekend, I (mostly) rested. I'm going to let Tag tell you more of what we did when he visits with you tomorrow, though. Saturday, I spent outdoors, more soaking up the sun than gardening or yard work.

Yesterday, we got a few things done, but I baked bread in the afternoon. We didn't have any in the house, and I really didn't want to buy some at the store. So, instead of the usual 2-loaf recipe, I doubled it, and will freeze three loaves until they're needed. One will stay out for toast and sandwiches. 

Apparently, my oven loves having four pans in it at the same time, because the outside of these loaves is what I've been striving for since I took my bread classes. Light and crispy/crunchy on the outside, and soft and tasty on the inside. Perfect sandwich bread - with no big, gaping holes so prevalent in store-bought loaves.

It's going to be a little nuts this week. I have to write patterns for the bags I showed you Saturday, and Handsome has a concert on Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to that! I also have three bags I've been commissioned to make, so I need to get those done, too. See what I mean? 

So, I'm off to the races. Miles to go before I sleep, as they say. I'll be writing patterns first. Those have an immediate deadline. Then, we'll see what's up next. 

Tag will be here tomorrow, and I'll be back on Wednesday! Have a great week, my friend. Don't forget to take time to enjoy the journey. 

 

Baking Bread...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Baked Bread

 

I'm doing a few things this week in preparation for Handsome's return to the farmhouse. I'm flying out on Friday so I can see his last Florida performance for this season. That's on Sunday. We'll have him all packed, and then he, Bella and I will leave Monday morning to drive back together.

When we get home, I don't want to have to run out to the store for anything, so I'm making a meal that we can thaw once we get back, along with baked bread for sandwiches or a side for us to enjoy. The bread will go in the freezer, too. (It tastes just the same as fresh baked when it's only been in the freezer a short time.)

At my last bread class, I learned about making a preferment "poolish", that starts the process 12-15 hours before the bread is actually mixed, proofed and baked. Poolish is a mix of flour, water and yeast that is like a starter for the bread. It makes the dough wetter overall in the mixing process, resulting in a truly artisan bread. It adds a greater depth to the flavor, and the finished crust in truly amazing! Honestly, this is why I wanted to learn to make proper bread.

The outside crust is crispy and flaky, while the inside is chewy and spongy. There aren't all the big holes that you find in so many store-bought breads these days. There's nothing worse than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that oozes out big, gaping holes while you're trying to eat it. Not with this bread, for sure!

I'm also doing laundry, a little spring cleaning, and getting out orders. When I'm not doing those things, I take a tea break and knit a bit. It's easier to pick up and put down than my needlework. The weather is beautiful, even with forecast rain in the near future, so I'm spending a little more time outdoors, too. 

 

I can't believe how many plants are already up in my kitchen garden! Chives, mint, phlox, Mom's daisies, tulips, grape hiacynths, lilies, and hollyhocks are already making their way skyward. It won't be long before I head to the nursery for basil, rosemary and a few other herbs.

I'll begin packing tomorrow, and make sure I don't forget everything Tag will need to head to the boarding kennel. They have a pool, but he has to prove he can swim before they'll put him into that playtime rotation. We're not worried. I seriously think he was the swimming-est Corgi in southwest Florida! 

 

He's getting his swim test Friday morning after I drop him off. Good thing he's got a buoyant butt. At least I won't ever have to pack a life vest for him. Makes me giggle just to think about it. They'll be amused by my boy, too! I'm just glad I can travel without fretting about his care.

So, I'm heading back to my tasks. Not a bunch to do, but a steady stream of small finishes before I leave. I'll see you again tomorrow. Have a great Wednesday!

Late Week Baking...

Liljegren's Farmhouse Sandwich Bread

Handsome is healing like a champ, and the doctor is really happy with his progress. He likes sandwiches, but he wasn't eating much bread when he first got home. I hadn't made any in a little while, so when he mentioned the day before yesterday that there wasn't much left for toast, I knew what I'd be doing yesterday.

I began around 10:30 in the morning, and by 2 pm, tasty part-whole wheat sandwich bread came out of the oven. The house smelled of warm, fresh bread, and for the first time since I started baking at home, I cut into a loaf before it was fully cooled. It was delicious, topped with a bit of butter and some of our homemade grape jam.

I have an extra loaf that went into the freezer until we need it, so I think I'll likely make baguettes or rolls next week. That would be nice with homemade soup, now that it's cold outside.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cook's Illustrated Bread Recipes Magazine

 

If my (mostly) weekly baking has you thinking about trying your hand at bread making (or getting back to it), I can highly recommend this magazine. I got my copy (and one for my sister, Di, who also bakes breads) at our local Piggly Wiggly grocery store, but I'm sure you can get your own at Barnes & Noble or your own grocery.

I love that Cook's Illustrated does all the experimenting, and then gives you the best tips, supply recommendations, and recipes. There are some really good ones in this issue, too. I'll be trying the recipe of that beauty in the Dutch oven very soon!

Handsome needs a haircut, so I'll be doing that first thing. Then, I'm working on commissions today, so I'll be back in the studio if you're looking for me. I hope you have a great day!!

How Did I Do?...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hickory Hill Farmhouse Sandwich Bread

 
I had quite the list of goodies I wanted to make over the weekend. I managed to get to some, and not to others. This was my list:

• Reese's Peanut Butter Bars
• Banana Nut Bread
• Cranberry-Jalapeno Jam
• Hickory Hill Farm Hickory Syrup

Liljegren's Banana Bread (sans Nuts)

Let's see how I did:

• Reese's Peanut Butter Bars (nope) Probably just as well. I love those tasty treats!
• Banana Nut Bread (Yes!) Even though I made the first batch without nuts, I made BNB!
• Cranberry-Jalapeno Jam (no, however, I'm using the cranberries to make Cranberry-Jalapeno Salsa, that I'm taking to the Holiday Cookie Exchange this weekend!)
• Hickory Syrup (Yes!) I shared that I'd made syrup on Facebook, and sold out the batch before the end of the day. I made a second batch yesterday (photograph below), and just have to get the labels on the bottles after the syrup cools down. They're already listed in my online shop HERE in case you're interested in a bottle or two.

Liljegren's Hickory Hill Farm Hickory Syrup

 

So, you can see, it was a mixed bag of accomplishments. I'm happy tired, knowing I got a lot done. I'm off for a haircut this morning, and then I'll be in the studio when I get home. I have two projects I have to make up today (an "extended" Birthday gift for my sister, who I'll see this weekend; and a commission).

I also worked on a new project that will appear in my shop this week. I'll tell you all about that when I have more to show you. They're going to fit right in with my Brynwood cork creations, and I'm pretty excited about them!

Tag will stop by tomorrow. I hope you rested well over the weekend, and that, if you're in the path of the winter storm (we aren't), you'll stay safe and warm. Later!