“They” said, yesterday on the news, that yesterday is considered the 'most depressing' day of the year. I hear ya! The sun has not graced us with it's presence for several weeks now. I'm sure I'll need sunglasses the first time it chooses to shine on us. I keep begging my sister, Nina to send me some – from Victoria, no less. Now that seems so strange, as they are on the coast where its usually rainy. To date, nothings arrived.

I woke this morning from a dream that Mr. Miles and I were at some social gathering, very casual, and that Michelle Obama gave me a hug. We were talking about her children. Weird. Very strange – we don't even live in the USA. Perhaps it had something to do with my plan to watch the inauguration today. The inauguration was a moving thing to hear – I say hear because I only watched the swearing in on tv, but heard the rest of the ceremonies on CBC radio while I worked out.

Our Melanie ♥

Layout Credits: KimB's HeartyTarty Kit
Barb Derksen's WreathFrame - white

Our daughter came home for a visit this past weekend and it was a wonderful time together. I'm sure you're hoping for a photo, but I left it late and she made me promise NO photos – she was not feeling photogenic. Oh, I've had those days too, so respected her wishes. I did though, ask her to send me some of her own cell phone photos, and thats the one I used in this layout which I made mostly with KimB's HeartyTarty Kit. What a FABULOUS kit!

Next time Melanie visits I'll have to take care of that taking pictures thing, first thing. She brought her boyfriend with her – our first time to meet him. He's very nice!

Our weekend was all about baking. I promised to show her the Artisan Bread recipe. Melanie has always loved to bake. We mixed up batches of dough and made buns, flatbreads and pizza. On Saturday night, the kids made us dessert, rich fattening dessert. Flakey fruit and chocolate filled puff-pastry turnovers served with ice cream. Of COURSE she went home with a bucket of dough which was nicely risen by the time they got there.

I did not mention that last week I went 'across the line' at the invitation from my friend Angie to do some grocery shopping. We live RIGHT on the USA/Canada border and so have the luxury to hop over whenever the urge hits. With our dollar down, its not so much of a deal as it has been at past times, but there is always something different to buy. Cheese always works out less, for sure. My favorite place to stop is a little gas station/grocery which is supplied by deli's which are only stateside so I always find some unique things. These are some of the items I bought to play with this trip:

This spaghetti, which is sold in the USA at a Trader Joes store, is looooong! I'm hankering to go to one of those stores, now. Have any of you been to one?

These noodles are hollow - like very long kraft dinner noodles, though I am sure they are better quality, being made from hard durum seminola!

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos - my camera does not do well in low light. This orzo should be a colorful addition to soups - organic to boot!


And some buckwheat. I've never really cooked with it before. Any suggestions?

This Sap Sago cheese is VERY interesting. It's produced only one place in the world. I love the story, the shape and the very bold and distinctive flavor. I've already found several ways to use it. You can read an article about it HERE at Wikipedia.

Then, as I was surfing around on the internet to find more recipes for it, I came across this incredible recipe site. I think you will agree that the photography is just stunning – and the recipes extremely innovative and interesting! My friend Gina and I spent an afternoon drooling over our screens together. And I did make the Scandinavian Sour Cream Apple Pie, only I did not put a crust on it at all, and I substituted vanilla yogurt for the sour cream. Mr. Miles gave it thumbs up.

Layout by Judy

Credits: KimB and Bunny Cates items!

Did you see this lovely LOVELY poem and layout my sister-in-law Judy posted for me on her blog over the weekend? Well, in case you didn't, here's her layout with it in. I was so moved! Judy has a post up today of the thoughtful and sweet parcel she recieved from KimB in South Africa. That Kim, she's got it all tied up in the giving department. I do believe her middle name is generosity! Judy also has some pretty photos of dragonflies she took this past summer. Oh * groan * don't say summer, please, unless you send sunshine.

Layout by Victoria
Credits:
Barb Derksen - Photo of Osoyoos Lake
Kris Myers Frosty Days Digital Kit

And here's a pretty layout made by my friend Victoria, who lives in Florida. She asked if she might use one of my frosty photos for a layout, seeing as she does not have such a thing down there. I think your layout is lovely and thanks for sharing!

Treasure Box fit for a queen

I recieved a gift at Church this past Sunday – a beeeee-youuuuu-teeee-ful treasure. I'd no more seated myself when I was approached by my little 6 year old friend Asia who was bearing a wrapped gift for me. She insisted I open it right then and there – to reveal this hand-decorated treasure box. Ohhh, so pretty! I've got some special things which shall be stored in here! Don't you just love little presents crafted by little hands? Priceless, I say!

♥♥♥♥♥

A few posts ago I bragged on my friend Penny Buhr Johnson, on the release of her second CD. Unfortunately her CD was not quite set up at CD baby for sale just yet, but it is now. You can visit Penny's website by clicking HERE and follow the links which will allow you to hear cuts of her new album as well as purchase it too!

Our good blogger friend Valinda is home after a week away - and she's got a gift for you on her website I won't spoil the surprize, but go on over and welcome her home, won't you? Just click HERE.

Here's an entertaining time-waster of a website for you. Don't blame me if you don't get your housework done today, ok? Its called Drawminos!

And finally, I decided to make a 'little sumfing' for YOU. I had this small wreath thing laying about. It used to be around the base of a candle, but the candle got used up. Before sending this to the thrift shop or trash... I decided it would make a neat photo frame. I think it worked quite well. I'll post another version in a day or two. I'd love to see how you use this – just send me a jpg of your layout and I'll post it.

Ohhhh and as I'm wrapping this up - this loooong long post, I recall Shirley emailing me to say she's awarded me .... I'll have to slip on over to her place and see whats in store for me. THANK YOU Shirley, in advance.

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What I made for lunch today:

First came the dough - the peasant bread recipe from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a day cookbook - laid into two small, buttered pyrex. You can use the master bread recipe, which is white, but I'd recommend you buy the book for the Peasant Bread recipe, its so worth it.

Then, I mixed up 3 eggs with spices and fresh green onion. Bacon bits and sun dried tomatoes wait their turn to go into the mix. I brushed the exposed crust with some nice Mediterranean cooking oil.

Just out of the oven. I made Mr. Mile's 'open faced' with cheese sprinkled ontop, while mine, slightly smaller, I added the cheese INSIDE and covered mine entirely with dough.

Very pretty to look at. A healthy, hearty meal. I'd recommend it. I loved making the muffin tin versions on the official Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a day website click HERE) , but these are a bit more of a full meal and also the cleanup is very quick.

Inside?

Well, it was pure deliciousness. Kind of like a Quiche inside a loaf. My Real Man, Mr. Miles - gave it a 'thumbs up'!

My posts will be sporadic, just too much to do around home at the moment. Today is the first day my honey is back at school since mid-December, so its the first day I'm taking to just get caught up. Tell me, is anyone ever truly caught up?

I want to share my latest experiment with the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day recipes. I'm going to have to start another entire blog on that subject if I keep going like this. The recipe is simply amazing, and flexible. I've turned it into nearly everything I usually make, and I'm still coming up with new things each day.

My latest experiment was (drum roll...)

Homemade Foccacia Crackers

I mixed up the master recipe for the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. After it was prepared and ready to go, I rolled some VERY THINLY onto a mixure of flour, foccacia spice and Parmesan cheese. When the dough was rolled out thin, I sprinkled a bit of salt on top and gave one more soft roll.

Next I used a pasta wheel to cut out squares, and then I used a empty pop bottle to cut the 'holes' out of the middle. I did this to give an interesting shape, and also to prevent them puffing up in the middle. I then placed then baked them and VOILA. They turned out very nummy!

(the holes left over baked into little round balls that would make a great snack food) The recipe contains no fat, and they are baked so would not be bad for the waistline.

I served them with some Hummus dip Mr. Miles brought home and they were a big hit!

You can visit my friend Gina's blog to find out how her FIRST experience with baking the master recipe for the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day as she had her first attempt a day ago. She's published the master recipe there if you would like to see it. HERE'S the link.

Also, I always suggest going directly to the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day OFFICIAL website where Jeff and Zoe provide you with tons of wonderful, delicious ideas and are always available for feedback and to answer any questions you should have. Just click HERE to be transported. I own the book and I can testify its totally more than worth it, its an investment!

Ice Crystals on the Lake

I wait all year for a day like this... on Saturday we experienced an 'inversion' and it caused ice crystals to form on everything in sight. This is a photo of what the lake looked like. We've since had a big snow and so I don't know if I'll have an opportunity like this again this year.

I will be blogging some exciting news about my dear friend Penny on my next blog post, not enough time to fit it in today and I want to do it justice.

I am giving away a goodie today - whipped it up to honour my dear friend Valinda - who I've been neglecting lately. Sigh, just too much going on and I'd assumed I'd visited only to realize I'd not been to see her since a 'coons age'... Isn't that what happens often with those we care about most? Its a dangerous little thing called 'familiarity'... come to think of it, when was the last time I did something nice for Mr. Miles? Sometimes we get so busy we take the ones we love for granted and thats not good. Why not forgo a comment here today and just slip on over and say a BIG hello to my dear friend Valinda? You can find her by clicking HERE.

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My first Artisan Bread Making Demo


my mobile demo kit

I just hosted my very first Artisan Bread Making demonstration. Before you ask, there is no "official" demonstration. I am not part of any company or hired by anyone. I have decided to do this on my own for the simple reason that since I found out about Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day, my life has changed. Yes, this is a pretty strong statement, but its absolutely true.

How did I find out about this bread?

I have been listening to a podcast called The Splendid Table with Lynne Rossetto Kasper from American Public Broadcasting. This is a show that we don't receive on radio here, I found it on the internet. On one episode, Lynne interviewed Jeff Hertzberg, co-author of a book called Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day. What I heard was very impressive - so impressive that immediately after hearing the podcast I went back to the Splendid Table website and printed out the master bread recipe. Thats where this all began for me.

I've been baking this bread for a few months now and its changed the way I forever bake bread - and I come from a line of traditional baking in my heritage! This method of baking bread is simply revolutionary. It requires no kneading at any point, you mix it in one fell swoop and it stores in the fridge, just waiting till you decide you want to bake it. This ensures fresh bread, on demand.

Why am I taking this out to my part of the country?

I'm doing this because I love a good idea and I love to share a good idea. I like to mentor, as well, and this is a wonderful opportunity to do this. I also love to show people how to save money - which in our current economy is very appealing to many folks. I'm not being compensated in any way for doing this - the joy I see when people find out about this, the thanks they give me, is a huge reward in itself.

I also want to encourage you to visit the OFFICIAL Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day website where you can find out all you want to know about these incredible recipes. The authors Jeff and Zoe are fabulous at responding if you should have ANY questions. They also keep the site updated with new recipes (oh YUM!) And, you can order their cookbook right from the site as well.

Jeff and Zoe have been generous enough to share their basic bread recipe with everyone, but there are MANY more in the cookbook. Its worth every cent you spend, and trust me, if you are looking for a great Christmas present - this is it!

So, the first photo, the one above, is a 'mobile kit' I put together to show the wonders of this bread.

the 'basic' end of the bread basket

I decided the best way to show off the bread was to bake some. In Jeff and Zoe's YouTube Video they have an array of baked goods demonstrating the different goods which can be created, so I thought I would see how far I could stretch a batch as well. I mixed up a batch of the Peasant Bread and it made

breadsticks
bagels
loaves
flatbreads

the 'brioche' end of the basket

I chose to make the other side of the basket the 'sweet' side. This was my first time trying the brioche recipe from the cookbook, but I was confident it would turn out, as the other recipes I've tried have been fabulous.

can you say buttery?

The brioche recipe is soooooo good and rich. Its a very rich (very ... rich) recipe. Decadent, I'd even venture to say. It was easy to make and still has Mr. Miles slathering for me to make each day. Out of this recipe (and I only used 1/2 of the dough) I made

4 small tea-loaves
1 turban stuffed with cranberries and nuts
1 large turban stuffed with dried cherries
1 fancy pastry filled with apricot preserves and walnuts

can you imagine, ME, the instructor? LOL!

Where was I demonstrating? I was asked to demonstrate at the Learning Center where Mr. Miles works. The Learning Center is an adult education center. People attend to complete their Grade 12 schooling (I graduated here at the age of 43, but am still taking some graphics courses) Students here range from teens all the way up to 80's! Its a very inspiring place to be. Some folks are here just upgrading their computer skills etc.

Elaine asked me to do this demo. She's head of the student council and they are hosting demonstrations on Eathing Healthy/Saving Money. When I heard this, she pounced on me right away. How could I say no?

I have their rapt attention!

Ohhh - I didn't have to worry about getting anyone's attention because everyone loves a great idea. I explained how I found out about the bread and then began.

fridge ready!

I wanted to be sure to show the three stages of the bread dough, so I made sure to have a batch already prepared and refridgerated. I brought along the ingredients for a batch to be mixed up, and of course, the basket for folks to sample!

honing my speaking skills

so much to remember!

We even watched the YouTube video together, because I did not want to forget anything. I'm not nearly as smooth as Jeff and Zoe, for sure. Plus, I wanted the students to know how to navigate to the video and website if they needed it in the future. Some students are learning internet and computers for the first time in their lives, so its important to not assume they know.

I also apologized for not bringing for not bringing my copy of the cookbook book along, because I didn't want to encourage anyone to plagiarize the recipes. I spent time showing the students where they can order the book if they would like to.

Darlene wins the door-prize!

I thought it would be a neat idea to put everyone's name in a hat and draw for a door-prize... which was, of course, a batch of dough. This made my heart smile, for Darlene was chosen and she has NEVER made bread in her life. She was quite excited to try this.

I had so many people thank me after. Everyone enjoyed the baked goods. Several people are going to order the book.

I took a plate of goodies to our local Home Hardware for the owner to sample. She's won top awards in Canada for her store. It features an in-store kitchen where she has chefs come in to do live demos which are a huge success. She'd LOVE me to come in and do one on a Saturday in the future. I'm considering it and Mr. Miles says he'd be game to help.

I'm also doing another one in a small local community as a part of an inter-church exchange and I'm really looking forward to this too.

So, I'm hoping to start an Artisan Bread WAVE across Canada - I can see it happening now. Thank you Jeff and Zoe for being so generous as to share your master recipe. I'm sure your book will be flying onto Canadian bookshelves! I just wanted you to know, I'm not an Artisan Bread website stalker, I just am excited for your idea and am EAGERLY awaiting your next book. Your book is the very first book I've ever purchased online and it will be one I treasure... and muck up!

You can visit the official Artisan Bread in 5 website by clicking HERE.

*****

PhotoJoy Desktop

Ohhh - if you have a fast computer (good graphics card and all that) and you love to display your photo collections on your desktop and screensaver - then you will LOVE this new desktop application called PhotoJoy. It comes with all sorts of cool widgets and backgrounds etc, which allow you to showcase all your favorite photos. Your desktop will garner gasps of envy from all who gaze upon it! Just click HERE to find out more.

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Last but not least, I've created a lil sumpfing for you! I made this with my sister Nina in mind because she knows me. She knows I just can't wait to open a present. She sends mine to Mr. Miles with specific instructions like "she no touch" and such things on them. So.... I thought I would make an element which would be with her in mind. I hope you can find some good uses for it!

Measures aprox 3" and is a png file with transparent background.

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Once again its time for Friday Show and Tell - won't you come and join in the fun?

The more the merrier!

Just visit Kelli's blog by clicking HERE and sign up using the form.

Today I'm going to share another baking adventure. I'm sure some of you may want to tell me to "shut up already" with all the yummies I've been featuring. (ya, like YOU, KimB, I know I'm torturing you and I did WARN you) But I can't help it, honestly. Its all the fault of Zoe and Jeff at the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. I've got a serious addiction! LOL! I think their blog needs a warning on it.

soft and pliable like 'grown up' play doh!

To celebrate the one year anniversary of their Artisan Bread cookbook, Zoe and Jeff have posted a recipe for bagels on the blog and are also giving away two copies as a celebration. So git on over there and leave your 'bread' experience on the blog for your chance to be drawn. Just click HERE to be transported!

I bought the cookbook a few weeks ago - this recipe on their blog is a bit different. I saw the recipe and it beckoned to me. Bagels are something we detour for whenever we go to the city. We usually buy ours at Safeway because they are so wonderful and toothsome - but it adds up! It usually costs somewhere in the range of 8 dollars for a dozen - and we did not begrudge this, for its a superior quality.

These cost pennies, compared.

However...

boiling the bagel

I didn't imagine making them myself. But because of the amazingly easy method for the dough for these things - I had some ready to go - I decided to give it a try!

I used a smaller pot for the water, and adjusted the sugar etc because we had limited fresh water on hand - I bring it in. Besides, I only wanted to do a 'test batch' of a half a dozen.

It was challenging to flip the BIG bagel in the little pot! Flupp!

a new smell for my nose to appreicate!

I used the Peasant Bread dough from the cookbook, with flax seeds too. Then, I decided to experiment with some toppings too. I had some black seasame seeds, some pumpkin seeds, some flax seeds and some oats. So, I did a bit of 'mix and match'

we have success!

Well, Mr. Miles was not home at the time - he was completely unaware. But get this - when he arrived home he gravitated IMMEDIATELY to them, his nose wiggling like Peter Rabbit in the cabbage patch! He did NOT notice that I'd changed the entire kitchen counters around, including the microwave, toaster oven etc. In fact he did not notice that until the following morning.

better than a bakery

I'd never had a bagel hot out of the oven before - and its almost impossible to discribe in words. Crrrunchy on the outside, an almost nutty overtone. Soft and steamy and moist inside. Danger, danger! (Kim, turn your eyes away, girl!)

happiness is an oven-fresh hot bagel

Topped with cream cheese and some of my own homemade rosehip jam from this summer? I think I live in a bakery now.

I think this is the start of me making these a regular part of our diet.

Have YOU made bagels before? Its so easy the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day way...