Bread Machine, Can't live without it...okay, won't live without it!

Oster 5838 ExpressBake Breadmaker

I live for my silly bread machine. Years ago before I had children I would make our bread by hand. When I had my first child I realized that this could not go on like this. Hubby bought me a breaqd machine. Very sweet of him but I never used it. The loaves were shaped funny, I couldn't get the recipe perfect and I was used to the feel of making it m=by hand. There is something so therapeutic about kneading dough and taking it from almost liquid form to a solid ball of dough.

About a year later I had my second child. It was then impossible to make bread by hand. So out came the bread machine. After many, many, many tries at this I finally found a loaf of bread that we all like. I now use my bread machine just about every other day to make bread for the family and once a week to make pizza dough. I am going to try and make some quick breads in it next.

This is the one that I own. Oster 5838 ExpressBake Breadmaker, it is my second one. The first one, same model and all, fell off the counter during the knead cycle. When I had to buy a new one I looked at all of the other makes and models but decided to get this one again. I loved how it worked and knew everything about it already!

Easy Whole Wheat Peasant Bread

For a 1-1/2 pound loaf

Ingredients:

1-1/8 cups water
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

3-1/4 Cup Bread Flour
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
2 tsp vital gluten
2 tsp sugar
1-1/2 tsp kosher salt

2-1/2 tsp bread machine yeast

Directions:

This all gets added to you machine at once. This machine has the liquids in first then all of the dry ingredients with the yeast going into a well made in the dry ingredients.

Helpful hints-in the first 10 minutes watch your dough ball. The dough needs to be dry enough to clean the outsides of the pan but still wet enough to not be knocking in the the pan. You can add more water or flour as needed but only until the beep goes in the second cycle.

Best Regards,

Judy

Mario Batali Salt Cellar

Now you may think that you have no need for this but I think any one who cooks should have something to hold their salt in beside the stove.

It's a great thing to have for salt use while cooking, instead of having to pull out a shaker and all. We have always used just a small crock to hold it but I am buying this for a small gift for hubby for Christmas. Mario Batali Salt Cellar will look so much better beside my stove than the old white crock that we always had. I love the idea of the lid and the wood will match almost any kitchen decor!
This salt, Guerande 'Fleur De Sel' Sea Salt, will make a perfect companion to the salt cellar!

Best Regards,

Judy

I Love my Mandoline!

I received my Pinzon Stainless-Steel Mandoline as a gift from my sister for my birthday several years ago. This is probably my favorite gadget for my kitchen (besides my Kitchen Aid Mixer that is). With this I am able to grate and slice in uniform slices. I use this to slice potatoes for french fries and scalloped potatoes and onions for just about everything! I grate cabbage for cole slaw, cheese for pizza and tacos. The uses are endless and clean up is a breeze too!

Here is a great recipe that you can use your new Pinzon Stainless-Steel Mandoline to make...

Scalloped Potatoes (About.com)

A basic scalloped potatoes recipe baked in the oven.

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes, about 6 to 8 medium potatoes
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups scalded milk
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation:

In a buttered 2-quart baking dish, place a layer of about 1/3 of the potatoes. In a cup or small bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. Sprinkle about half of the flour mixture over the potatoes; repeat with another layer of potatoes and the flour mixture and top with remaining potato slices. Dot with butter then pour hot milk over potatoes. Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until scalloped potatoes are tender and cheese has melted. Scalloped potatoes serves 6 to 8.

Best Regards,

Judy

It's a bowl...it's a chopper (and just plain cool)!!!

OXO Good Grips Salad Chopper and Bowl

Okay so today the coolest thing I could find was this thing from OXO. If you are not familiar with this brand you probably should be. They have a lengthy history of quality products that are specifically designed to help make your busy life easier. They also have a leg up on most other products because of their chunky design which make them ideal for people with arthritis in the hands and finger.

OXO Good Grips Salad Chopper and Bowl



I can see this product easily being used in my house for numerous things. The first thing I will make will be my incredible pico de gallo. I can see that this will eliminate me chopping up the onions, peppers and the cilantro. What a time saver it is already!!!

Best Regards,

Judy

Apples, Apples, Everywhere...

Throughout the internet right now you see countless recipes and pictures highlighting autumn. What is always symbolic of autumn?

Apples...



This nifty gadget here will make all of your apple recipes a piece of cake (or should I say pie?).

Back To Basics Apple and Potato Peeler

I can see this item becoming one of the most used gadgets in my kitchen during the fall months when apples are everywhere. And then used all winter for great potato recipes!!!

Here is a great recipe to use your knew Back To Basics Apple and Potato Peeler for Apples in Puff Pastry!

Best Regards,

Judy