Monday Message

Mixes make for quick work in the kitchen. Check out more HERE.

This week I thought I would start out with making your own bread. This site has lessons if you would like to build your skill - http://www.thefreshloaf.com/lessons

There is nothing wrong with using bread machines if you have one otherwise they seem to be in every thrift store. They make good bread too but I would still like you to build your by hand method too. The machines do have a life span of about three years.

Once you master the feel of the loaf when it is ready for the pan, then you are over the learning curve. 

Keep checking at your goodwill or thrift stores etc...

For bread pans get the narrower rather than wide loaf pan. You will get taller loaves. I like my loaf to rise one inch above the rim of the pan before putting it in a preheated oven to bake.

Looking toward the future when you can save up for it, you might want a bread mixer but doing by hand works great too, I cannot tell a difference.

This is a good bread for if you want it hot from the oven with your meal. Don’t expect it to be a bread you toast left overs with…though you could try. It is a crusty tangy bread best eaten hot from the oven, like the kind you might get at while eating out all fancy like. http://www.food.com/recipe/5-minute-artisan-bread-325571

It is now time to warm up the kitchen by baking bread! Also teach your kids to do it too. I knew a family with lots of kids, mom taught them to make bread and they all get turns making the family bread.

Gluten free - for those who need it here are great recipes to make all kinds of bread items…. 

http://www.faveglutenfreerecipes.com/Gluten-Free-Breads/Amazing-Gluten-Free-Bread-and-Roll-Recipes 

It is this time of the year that I stir up mixes to help me with the meal making during the busy season ahead  ….

http://www.food.com/recipe/focaccia-mix-in-a-jar-420553

http://mixitupcookbook.blogspot.ca/search/label/gift%20mixes

http://www.itsyummi.com/diy-bisquick/

http://tipnut.com/baking-mixes-seasonings/

http://www.foodstoragemoms.com/top-11-basic-baking-items/

Here are a few to get you started!

Keep working on your skills - here is a good sewing site http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/sewing-class-roll.html

knitting… http://www.marthastewart.com/264106/basic-scarf-pattern 

Remember to be working on "wear it out, use it up, make it do or do without."

Keep working on skills, practice provident living!