Happy Monday! Julie's Blueberry "Buttermilk" Pancakes

Our grandson, John Isaac, spent the weekend with us!!! We have so much fun when we're together.

How Far Is Too Far?

 Rhonda Hetzel from Down to Earth blog posed this question, "How far is too far?".

Boxed vs. Homemade

As a young bride spaghetti started with a box called Kraft Spaghetti Classics.  The .595 lb. box contains dried spaghetti, a seasoning packet with "specially-blended, tangy herbs and spices" and a dried parmesan cheese packet for $2.00.

Happy Monday!!!

 Hope your weekend was fabulous! 
Today Will is flying to cold, icey Michigan.  He has business meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, but after the meetings he's driving to my hometown, Mason, for a visit with my family.

Alive and Still Thriving

I know most folk in the US of A have freezing weather this time of year and the only comfort they find is curling up in a cozy chair with an afghan and their favorite seed catalogue, dreaming of warmer days.  If that's you, you have my sincere sympathy!

5 Minute Healthy Whole Wheat Artisan Bread

Hope your week is going well!

One of my readers requested this recipe,  so here it is Melody!  So far I've made two batches of this artisan bread.

Will and the Pocket Gophers . . .Happy Monday!!!

Gardening in Arizona can be challenging.  Our growing seasons are short.  Our summers, beyond hot!  When we hit Monsoon Season, around July, pretty much everything dies.  Winter garden challenges are heavy frost days, little green worms and . . . YIKES!!!   POCKET GOPHERS!!!  

Fabulous Burger (or hot dog) Buns for Bread Machine

A great burger should be made with ground chuck, topped with homegrown tomato, onion, pickles and lettuce sitting on a fabulous, homemade, toasted burger bun.

This recipe will meet all your expectations for the perfect burger bun . . . Soft, and yeasty, and perfect to whip up in your bread machine!

A word about bread machines:

I use my bread machine to mix and first rise all my breads and rolls except when I make "5 minute artisan bread", I'll share more about that another time. Using a bread machine cuts down on messy bowls, kneading time with more mess, and keeps your dough the perfect temperature for the first rise. If you can find a cheap one at a yard sale or thrift store, and it works, pick it up or purchase a used one on amazon.com.

Fabulous Burger Buns for the Bread Machine

To your bread machine container, add ingredients in this order:

1 cup warm water

3/4 cup warm, whole milk or buttermilk

1/4 cup melted butter, equals 1/2 stick

1/4 cup cane sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Note: Warm is 110 to 115F, the temperature of a warm baby bottle.

It should feel warm on the inside of your wrist, not hot.

3 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour, or unbleached flour

Note: Make a well, in the flour and add your gluten and dry yeast.

1 tablespoon dry yeast

• Set bread machine to dough cycle and push start. Dough cycle is 1:30 min.
• Punch down dough. Dough will be sticky, so as you pull dough from your bread machine, sprinkle a little flour along the sides to keep it from sticking.

• On a floured board or countertop, with a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough to 3/8-inch.
• Cut out buns and place on large cookie sheet covered in parchment paper.
• Cover buns with a light tea towel and put in a warm place for 30-40 minutes to rise.
• Preheat oven to 375F. 170C.
• In a small bowl whisk egg white and 1 teaspoon water, mix well.
• Sprinkle with poppy, sesame, or flaxseeds.
• Bake at 375F. for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Cool on wire cooling rack.
• Split buns, spread with butter and toast in broiler, keep a watchful eye, so they don't burn.

Note: To freeze, place buns in a dated, gallon freezer bag. Top buns with wax paper, this keep buns from collecting frost and becoming soggy.

This is an exceptional recipe, the best of the best!!! Well worth the effort!!!

Thanks for coming on this journey with me. I hope you are inspired to try something new.

Baking your own breads saves you big money and you know what is going into your food. Homemade guarantees great taste, freshness, and an aroma that's hard to beat.

Have a great weekend! I'll see you on Monday . . . Over at Julie's!!!

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What's All the Buzz About?

I've been hanging out in my garden fascinated by some bok choy that is past it's prime.   What you ask is my fascination?

Italian Street Food and Baked Ziti

I so enjoy using our veggies and herbs when preparing a meal. Because we grow organic, all is free of pesticides, radiation, wax, and genetically engineered manipulation.

Happy Monday! Recipe for Momma's Olive Dip

Monday is one of my most favorite days; probably because it comes after Sunday, my day of rest and reflexion.  It's my refueling day, if you will, spiritually, emotionally and physically preparing me to hit the floor running on Happy Monday!

Generations

Recently I've been pondering about the generations of women in my family as I sit down to sew or work in my garden or pull out my Great Gram's food grinder to make green tomato relish.

Sweet Citrus

I am so excited to finally be typing my very first post!  I am brimming over with things I want to share.