She Says: Try Making Bread
Hi Bloggies! How’s it going? I’m doing pretty good. I like Wednesdays because usually after work Mark goes to the studio to do more work, but on Wednesday he comes home and we watch Lost. So, I’ve been looking forward to that and eating my wraps. All in all, a good day.
No running yet, but hey, nothing’s perfect.
Anyhow, I keep the wraps in the fridge because I think that’s where they will stay the freshest. I heat them up for about 20 seconds in the micro to get them nice and wrappy. Today I had one with two leftover Chickpea Cutlets, sprouts and cheddar cheese.
Try Making Bread
There is something I love about bread baking. It is not difficult, but completely satisfying. Each stage is enjoyable. It starts with a bit of yeast, liquid and something sweet. I love how it has to rest, covered and warm. I like to do that too. It grows into a round soft ball and when I punch it, it rises again. Once in the oven it becomes bread. It smells and tastes like no other. The result and experience are truly lovely.
If you are intimidated by bread baking, don’t be. Just follow the steps of a recipe and it will work. I encourage you to try. The worst thing that could happen is that it doesn’t work. And if it does work … I think you’ll love it.
Today I made Honey Oatmeal Bread from the Bob’s Red Mill site.
I already tried a little. Well actually, in all honesty, I’ve eaten almost 1/3 of the loaf. I would be embarrassed, but it was so good I am quite confident that any bread lover (Jenn and Bridget) would have done the same.
I tried it with a little Zinke Almond Butter when it was still warm. This is hands down my favorite bread I’ve ever made. It’s a whole wheat bread, but it’s not dense or heavy at all. A little bit of honey gives it a hint of sweetness. I think I’ll make it again before the week is over and I need to bring the Kitchen Aid back to my mom.
I tried very hard to convince Mark to have a Brownie Sundae so I could steal half. He wouldn’t! How rude. Eventually, I just had one of the two remaining Banana Nut Brownies.
Query: I am going to a baby shower this weekend for my cousin. Instead of buying a card, guests were asked to bring a book for the baby. What is your favorite children’s book?
I think Snuggle Puppy is a really sweet book. The kids at the pre-school I worked at used to love it because it’s also a song. I might get that, but I am looking for something even more special.
Tags: bread, brownie, chicpea cutlets, wraps
February 18th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I love making bread, although I rarely get the chance anymore. There’s just nothing better than bread from the oven, even if it’s not perfect. I have never thought of trying wraps, but that sounds wonderful. That honey oat bread looks incredible.
I can’t remember too many children books. I know my favorite were Sweet Pickle books, specifically “Me Too, Iguana.” I have always liked weird things. I also really liked a book of feministy fairy tales where the princesses were independent. I was a weirdo kid!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I love bread!
My favorite book was probably The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It’s so cute!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I love “Duncan and Dolores” – it’s so cute
Also “where the wild things are”.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Oh wow, have fun at the baby shower! And I think that wrap looks amazing!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Anything by Bill Peet, but those are more for elementary-aged kids than babies. For the environmentally-minded, I recommend “Wump World”- sort of a precursor to WALL-E.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
that bread looks good.
when i was younger i was all dr seuss all the time.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I am the worst at making bread, I always mess up recipes with yeast! Yours looks delicious!
February 19th, 2009 at 12:01 am
I’ve never made bread. I’m so scared I’ll mess it up.
I am not a good cook! Thank you for your comment about not being intimidated. Maybe I’ll reconsider…
February 19th, 2009 at 12:03 am
LOVE LOVE very hungry caterpillar, goodnight moon, molly lou melon, i love you forever, where the wild things are,… ahhh there are so many!
February 19th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Thanks for linking that recipe. I’ve been wanting to try making my own bread.
Look for a book called “Roxaboxen,” it’s my favorite! Rainbow Fish is good too!
February 19th, 2009 at 12:40 am
I liked Shel Silverstien books. That counts, right?
UGH, so I finally decided to conquer my fear of baking, and of course my boyfriend is swearing off carbs for a few weeks. Oh well I guess that’s what the freezer is for, right?
thanks for the baking pep talk, I need it.
February 19th, 2009 at 12:48 am
I am gonna go with a classic: Pat the Bunny.
February 19th, 2009 at 12:49 am
The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Classic Eric Carle
Strega Nona. Classic Tomie dePaola (because really, this is the life the baby will be born into)
Good night!
February 19th, 2009 at 1:25 am
Is the baby a boy or a girl? Or unknown?
There is a book called “Someday” that makes Chris and I cry every time we read it. In fact, I’m tearing up right now just thinking about it.
I’m also tearing up thinking about the Brownie Sundae that wasn’t. Dammit Mark!!!
February 19th, 2009 at 1:40 am
If I had more time, I would totally love to bake my own bread. I’ve done it a few times, and love the results, but alas, it just doesn’t always work in my schedule. Your bread looks excellent
February 19th, 2009 at 2:00 am
My favorite is Panda Bear’s Paintbox!
February 19th, 2009 at 2:27 am
The bread looks great!
February 19th, 2009 at 6:09 am
I like the Pat the Bunny book, Goodnight Moon, and The Hungry Catterpillar. Hehe–I always give books at baby showers, too
The bread looks delicious as usual. I wish I wasn’t so afraid to try making some myself!
February 19th, 2009 at 6:15 am
making bread is so fun!!! I made it once and really enjoyed it! The only problem is that homemade bread is way too dense for me, it keeps me full for hours!!
February 19th, 2009 at 6:15 am
I LOOOVE Ferdinand The Bull. (read it?)
February 19th, 2009 at 7:39 am
I want to make that bread!
I like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We put on a play of it in kindergarten and I was the watermelon. I dressed all in green and wore a giant cardboard watermelon around my neck. Awesome!
February 19th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Glad you had a good day and made a fabulous loaf of bread!!
**Favorite childhood book = I always loved the Berenstein Bears book series; or “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.”
February 19th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Anything by Eric Carle. Love his books.
That bread look delightful! I want some fresh bread now =)
February 19th, 2009 at 8:06 am
My mom used to read us “I Love You Forever” every night. So sweet.
February 19th, 2009 at 8:06 am
VELVETEEN RABBIT!
February 19th, 2009 at 8:17 am
My favorite book was “Jillian Jiggs” it was about a girl who always had a messy room. It was just very fitting for me as a child
I also liked goodnight moon!
February 19th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Beautiful bread Heather. I’m embarrassed to say I received a Kitchen Aid Mixer as a wedding gift and have yet to use it. You inspire me!
I think you would truly love this book. (For you, not the baby shower): http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780060084400/Bread_Alone/index.aspx
My favorite Children’s books are Tuesday & The Giving Tree
February 19th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I loved all of the Bearenstein Bear books! In fact I still have a couple. I remember my Dad reading them when I was little and using different voices for all the characters.
February 19th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Ok now I definitely have to bake bread!
I always loved Amelia Badelia (I think that’s how you spell it)!! Have fun!
February 19th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Do you think it would be possible to make bread without a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer? I mean…I’m sure it’s possible.
But will I want to kill myself afterward? That bread looks SO good!
“Goodnight Moon”!!! I love the version in hardback because the picture of the fire actually “glows.”
February 19th, 2009 at 8:39 am
You know me well! Hahaa maybe thats why I haven’t made bread in ages…I would totally eat 1/3 of the loaf too. There is really nothing like homemade bread…mmmm! Although I’ve been getting my fix from Great Harvest since I discovered one in my area.
Awww what a great idea!! I’ll have to remember that for my friends baby shower. My ALL time favorite was “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”!!!
February 19th, 2009 at 8:41 am
What is your chickpea patty recipe? I have one but it needs some help!
February 19th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I have a few!
Mine: Cat in the Hat (you can NOT go wrong with this one!)
Other great kiddie/baby books:
Goodnight Moon
I love you forever
The Hungry Caterpillar
February 19th, 2009 at 8:47 am
i think “The Giving Tree” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” are really great books that become even more meaningful as we grow up. I love those books!
February 19th, 2009 at 8:48 am
That wrap looks delicious!
And that’s much much better than some freshly baked bread, the smell, the warm taste … yum!
The most memorable children’s book for me (and my mom … that books still makes her cry) is Love You Forever. I used to “read” it when I didn’t know how to read by flipping through it and saying “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be” (because that’s on about every other page of the book and that’s the only part I remembered).
It goes through how a mom takes care of her child through every stage of life, good and bad. And then at the end, the son, who is grown up, rocks his old, close to death mother, and says, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my mommy you’ll be”. Awww … I don’t have kids yet but I can see why it always made my mom cry. So if you’ll looking for special, it might be worth checking out.
Ha, and I didn’t mean to type that much about it! (I like books, always have and probably always will) I’m sure you’ll find a good one : )
February 19th, 2009 at 9:04 am
I’m so intimidated to make bread, but I really, really, really want to learn how!
February 19th, 2009 at 9:08 am
“Love You Forever” is a timeless and beautiful children’s book. There little poem throughout it has a tune that only my family and I know so if you end up getting it, let me know and I can sing it for you!
February 19th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Goodnight Moon or the Velveteen Rabbit:)
I confess I am incredibly intimidated by making bread. You have inspired me to try though! This bread looks delicious!
February 19th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I love how you tried to get Mark to have ice cream. If I want ice cream and Steve won’t have it, I get mad and don’t have any. Especially if I want to go get frozen yogurt someplace, if he isn’t getting anything, there is no way I’ll eat it alone!
I liked the book “If you give a mouse a cookie”.
February 19th, 2009 at 9:37 am
i LOVE bread!! Your loaf looks soo good!!
February 19th, 2009 at 9:51 am
That bread looks awesome.
My favorite kid’s book is called “The High-Rise Glorious, Skittle Skat Roarious, Sky Pie Angel Food Cake”
February 19th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I love you forever by Robert Munsch (he lives in my home town!!) was a fave of my 2 kiddlets!
February 19th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Sarah: It’s a GIRL baby.
Holly: I have made bread without a Kitchen Aide and it’s just more difficult because kneading a little labor intensive, but it is possible and still delicious.
Kerry: I used the recipe from Veganomicon. I usually use slightly less vital wheat gluten than called for and this time I didn’t use any of the spices and just used the chickpeas, garlic, VWG, oil, bread crumbs, water and BBQ sauce.I’ve also used black beans!
February 19th, 2009 at 10:12 am
that bread looks amazing, like it came from a bakery. bread making still kinda scares me, seems really difficult in my mind.
February 19th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Being a Boston gal I always give Make Way for Ducklings!
February 19th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Gosh you make some yummy looking breads! You’re definitely making me want to try to make my own bread. I’m still scared, even though like you said, what’s the worst that could happen? it’s a stupid fear for sure.
My favorite book as a child was “cloudy with a chance of meatballs”
Cute story, and fun illustrations!
February 19th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I need to make that bread. I’ve been looking for a good recipe!
I LOVED “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie”
February 19th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I love love love the George and Martha books!
February 19th, 2009 at 10:54 am
I agree on the making of bread. For so long I was intimidated by yeast breads but now that I have a little more experience I love it. Honey oat is one of my favorites. I like to include some nuts or seeds. Walnuts or sunflower seeds both add delicious crunch. You’re making me want to do some bread baking this weekend.
February 19th, 2009 at 11:00 am
LOVE this post. PB is the breadmaker in the family, and he kneads it by hand. I expect, though, that once we get a Kitchenaid mixer he will make it much more often, and perfect his method too.
Me, on the other hand? I am really bad at measuring things, so I am just the helpful tastetester haha!
about the book? i have no IDEA! my favorites were all listed above, and I am sure everyone will think of those too! i suggest you bring YOUR favorite childhood book, because then it will mean something special!
February 19th, 2009 at 11:01 am
oh, and by breadmaker i mean actual bread, although he does make more than i do hahahahahahahahaa
February 19th, 2009 at 11:03 am
There is a book called “Heckedy Peg” that I LOVED when I was a kid. It’s really cute/fun to read to little kids
February 19th, 2009 at 11:07 am
i like “Make Way for Ducklings,” “Blueberries for Sal,” and “Ferdinand the Bull”
February 19th, 2009 at 11:16 am
I agree- baking bread is wonderful and I can’t wait to get back to doing it!
LOST was so freaking good last night. Maybe the best episode ever?
My favorite kids books (not a baby book) were Strega Nona and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No good, Very bad day (I still think of this book when I have a bad day)
February 19th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Hmm, if I had a Kitchen Aid mixer I would definitely be baking up a storm, but I think I will have to wait for married life (or more money). Lucky you got to borrow mom’s! Bread does intimidate me, but on the other hand I feel like the way you make it would be way more satisfying than usnig a bread machine. Conundrum! Anyway, the latest loaf looks aaaaaaaaawesome, and I have been seriously admiring your bread as it appears on other blogs!
February 19th, 2009 at 11:35 am
so im reading a book right now called “bread alone” and that, combined with your latest post, is really encouraging me to make my own bread!!
oh, and as for my fave childhood book – the rainbow fish!! (by Marcus Pfister)
February 19th, 2009 at 11:40 am
i do the same thing with fresh bread, and that loaf looks delicious!!
February 19th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I second Blueberries for Sal!
I also loved What Do You Do with a Kangaroo by Mercer Mayer and When Dark Comes Dancing. The latter is a beautifully illustrated anthology of poems and lullabies from around the world about sleep, stars and nighttime. My parents used to read it to me before bed. The former is hilarious and features a very spunky little girl as a heroine.
February 19th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I love that you love baking bread!! I’m planning on taking a Breads & Rolls class next semester so I may need your expertise and advice
My favorite kids book is “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus”- it’s kind of random, but hilarious and interactive too. I love all of the Roald Dahl and Shel Silverstein books as well but those might be a little too advanced.
February 19th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I’ve got an addicting bread recipe too that I can’t stop making, Whole Wheat Beer Bread! It’s deadly. This looks fantastic though, I can understand completely how addicting it is.
Best book: Hungry Hungry Caterpillar.
February 19th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I’m putting that bread on the list!
February 19th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Mmmmm homemade bread. Looks awesome!
February 21st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
You can definitely be confident that I would have eaten 1/3 if not more of that delicious-looking loaf
Thanks for easing my fears of bread baking. It really does help to see you continuously making these great loaves!
February 24th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
[...] again. Luckily, my house is v. close, so I just walked home and had two pieces of bread (Left: Honey Oatmeal Bread, Right: Oatmeal Yeast Bread) with a bunch of Almond Butter. Delicious, but this wasn’t really how [...]
March 1st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
[...] the kitchen, like cooking wheat berries, black-eyed peas, and baking bread. This time I tried the Honey Oatmeal Bread that Heather posted. The recipe is from Bob’s Red Mill. I saw “Irish” oatmeal at the store, but not [...]