Cheating Never Tasted So Good

Recipes like the one I am about to share with you I call "Cheats".

There is no other way to describe them, not that it is bad, because lets face it, we are busy women.

Although, I would LOVE nothing more then to spend all day (or in some cases, with some Artisan Bread recipes; 3 Days) baking bread, its just not sensible most of the time for me to be able to do that.

Enter in the following book into my life:

First of all the cover lies (they insist that they do not) however it does take a few more minutes then 5 a day.

But, you can have homemade,fresh bread on your dinner table in about an hour (including baking time) and with minimal work involved.

I will share with you the basic recipe to get started.

The book is very nice and obviously contains many lovely recipes, so if you find this recipe easy and fun,I encourage you to purchase this book for yourself.

The Master Recipe

Makes four 1-pound loaves.

3 cups of lukewarm water (about 100 degrees)

1 1/2 tablespoons of granulated yeast (2 packets)

1 1/2 tablespoons of kosher or course salt

6 1/2 cups of flour (regular unbleached all purpose flour)

Place water in a large, lidded plastic food container (at least 5 qts)

Add salt and yeast.

Mix in flour, no kneading is necessary.

Just mix with a wooden spoon till flour is incorporated and dough is stiff.

Cover container with lid (DO NOT seal container)

Allow mixture to rise at room temp, for about 2 hours.

At this time,you can use the dough at any point.

Or place in fridge to use at any time with in the next 14 days.

When you want a loaf of bread: simply grab a large grapefruit sized ball of dough out the fridge, and with floured hands work into a round loaf and let rest for about 40 minutes on a floured surface.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees and sprinkle a baking stone with cornmeal.

In pie tin or baking pan, place one cup of water and put in oven.

Place bread on baking stone and put in oven on a rack below the water and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until crust is firm and nicely browned.

Allow to cool before slicing (yeah, right, like fresh bread ever makes it that long:)

I actually love the concept of having yeast dough on hand in the fridge.

It has come in so handy for last minute dinners.

I have used the dough for homemade pizza, rolls and even cinnamon buns.

Hope this recipe is something that comes in handy for all of you!
Have a great day:)

On My Nightstand

What I have been reading lately:

I first read this book when I was in my late teens, and I think this is the third time I have read it.
I just love this book, which is a true story about a young girl in the 1930's who goes to Alaska to teach and the adventure (and love???!!:) that befalls her while she is there.
It reads like a novel and is a page-turner.
It is a book that I can revisit every few years and enjoy again and again.


My Sister gave me this book for Christmas.
I have read a few of Robin McKinley books and enjoy what I call "Fairy Tales for Grown-ups".
This particular book is actually for young adults, and is a sweet tale of a Princess and her Pegasus.










I am loving this recent purchase that was made possible by a Christmas Gift Card for Barnes and Noble from my cousin ( A shout out to her: Thank You Becka Lou,You are Awesome!)
Volume One and Two of Julia's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
I am slowly devouring the book as if it was finely cooked meal.
I think even if you didn't know or liked to cook that these books would still be a pleasure to page through.







So, that's what I have been reading,
What about you?

Would you Be My Valentine?

I love you all, Dear Readers!

Happy Valentines Day!

~You Left the World a Better Place~

You left this world Wednesday night.
You were 94 years old.
You led a long, full life.
You served our country.
You met and married a sweet Italian lady and with the same lady you fathered 9 children.
You worked hard all your life.



None of your children ever went without what they needed.



I know when you left this earth on Wednesday night that you walked through Heaven's gate and Grandma was there waiting with a smile on her face and a huge plate of ravioli's.



I am a better person to have known you, Grandpa.



I love you and miss you.

My Grandfather in the center holding his eldest son.

~ Three Years Ago ~

Three years ago Manly and I were joined in Holy Matrimony.......