Tuesday, April 30, 2013

TWD Rewind - Semolina Bread & Best Brownies Ever

It was a good time to do some baking and a great time to do some catching up with Dorie! I ventured in to two recipes. Semolina Bread was the first. I had bought the semolina flour when the recipe was first suggested. It has sat in the pantry causing pangs of guilt every time I saw it there. I made the recipe but failed to take pictures or write down my thoughts on it. The bread was delicious - a really hearty bread that was simple as far as my skills proved. Tom loved it and finished it off for me. You will just have to take my word for it.
The second recipe I got to was "The Best Brownies Ever".   I have to say they were the best every brownies. Total chocolate fix. Chocolatey and gooey. So much so I had to get them out of the house pronto! I used a lot of bowls to make them but over all a simple recipe. I love doing recipes after everyone else because of all the tips and things to look for. There were so many good descriptions and thoughts in all of the different blogs that my brownies came out perfect. Thanks!!





Tuesday, April 2, 2013

TWD: Rustic Potato Loaves

I missed a whole month of baking but it was so worth it. I spent time with my daughter, her family and my new grandson Cody. He is so sweet. Isn't he delicious.


But back to baking. I love this bread, it is simple and made me feel so accomplished. I love that on the Tuesday with Dorie blog they do "things you need to know" questions and answers. I learn so much by checking it out before I attempt my own.


The trusty old kitchen aid was able to mash the potatoes and knead this dough to perfection. This bread also only needs two 20 - 30 minute rise times before it is popped in the oven. One of the other bakers talked about how it might be good with maybe onions or rosemary mixed in. Don't ask me twice on rosemary bread. The recipe makes two loaves so I was able to throw in some fresh rosemary into one. 



 I thought it was funny how my loaves look like they were made by two different people. I think the directions made more sense when I started to roll the second loaf.


 The bread was so tender with a really nice crust. Another great tip was to steam the oven by throwing ice cubes into the oven. Delicious.


I thought butter was good on this bread but when my daughter, Jenn showed up with apricot jam and point reyes blue cheese - heaven! We almost finished the whole loaf!!
The recipe can be found in Baking with Julia or on the web site of our host this month Simply Sweet http://www.dawnssimplesweets.blogspot.com