Baking

I don't bake much. I just don't enjoy baking as much as cooking, but today I was off and had been wanting to make a few things. So I did.

First up is homemade white bread. A while back I inherited my mother-in-law's stand mixer. Yes it's a vintage Sunbeam and I had been eying it since I first met her, but anyways, I haven't used it too much. I've made some cakes with but never bread so I thought I'd give it a try today. I must say I would rather make it by hand. I found my dough just crept up the dough hooks therefore making it difficult to mix. I ended up just dumping it all out on the counter and finishing by hand. Although, I had some trouble with the mixer, the recipe is probably one of the easiest I have found and definitely a keeper!!

Well, after much patience, here is the finished product, and I must say it turned out fabulous. We are definitely having some tonight for dinner!! Homemade bread it just so yummy!!!

Also, I had dried some apples a while back and finally decided to use them. This is a cross between an apple pie, an apple crisp and an apple tart. I made the dough right in the tart pan--so simple! Then I rehydrated the apples and used all the traditional apple pie filling ingredients. Lasting I made a apple crisp topping. It looks and smells delicious! Nick is going to take it into work tomorrow so hopefully glowing reviews!

Well, I also made upside down pineapple biscuits. This is a recipe my mother-in-law makes frequently, and everyone loves!! I have started making my own twist of it. Instead of baking individual biscuits, I just roll out all the biscuits (you use canned ones) and press them together. Then I place the pineapple topping in a 8x8 pan and lay the biscuits on top. It is scrumptious! I think the next I bake this, I am going to add in some cream cheese to the pineapple mixture. It just occurred to me that that would a perfect combination of flavors.

Well, I'll try to post these recipes soon so you can try them out!

New Meals

This is a meal I fixed from last month's Rachel Ray magazine. It is called Disco Fries and it was delicious!! Seriously one of the best meals we have had in awhile. It is french fries, mushrooms, onions, gravy and sharp cheddar cheese. I mean how can you go wrong with that?! Check it out. It was simple and quick.

This is my most delicious chili. I love my chili because it is so simple and can be ready in 15 minutes or an hour. It is seriously fix it and forget it. I posted the recipe in a previous blog Winner, Winner, Chili Dinner. If you need a quick meal--this should be on of your go to's. Enjoy these recipes and look for more to come soon!

Also, if you are looking for ways to cut calories but can't give up your faves like cheese, pay a little extra for an extra sharp cheese (check out the specialty cheese section). You'll use less but get a more intense flavor. One more tip, buy fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to bulk up flavor while using less salt. And if don't use all the herbs--tie a string around it and hang it upside down to dry it out. Then crush and store in an airtight container. It will keep for awhile.

Christmas Cards

You all know I have been working on a project for Advent Conspiracy. This is my first complete set of cards. It feels great to have one finished. I have few sets almost finished but I need a couple "Happy Holidays/ Seasons Greetigns" stamps to complete them. I am really happy with the turn and can't wait for Christmas season to arrive so I can sell them. As you know all the proceeds are going to Blood:Water Mission--an organization which repairs and builds wells in Africa. What you don't know is before Nick and I left Ethiopia, they had just completed a new well in a small village in SNNPR (the region we were/would be living in). I just thought that was a sign. Anyways, I still have alot more cards to finish so be looking for more on the way!!