Keeping it Real in the Kitchen on a Monday Morning

Since moving to the old farmhouse, I've tried to make more food staples myself. I like to know where my food comes from and what's in it. I figure if I can't pronounce it, there's a darn good chance I shouldn't be eating it. The easiest and by far the yummiest is making my own bread. It's so very, very easy with a bread machine. Yep, that's right, I use a machine because I have one and I can.

 

If you add all the ingredients, in the proper order, you'll have yourself a perfect loaf, every time. Just don't forget that stuff in the jar. It's called yeast and without it, you'll have a two inch high loaf. Or so I've heard.

Nighty night.

This model has a timer, a completion timer. You actually set the time for whatever it is you're making, to come out all smiling and happy. Not the actual time you want the machine to turn on and start baking. Again, this is all hearsay.

Oh, good morning. Do you come here often? 

If I could share with you the wonderful odor of this beauty that spread all the way up to my bedroom this morning, I would. But I can't. C'est la vie.

I came downstairs ready for a warm slice of bread slathered with butter, instead I found the Artist had created a new masterpiece. He told me it was called Rural Revival Toast. I was touched. My heart skipped a beat. Then I said bring it on, I'm hungry. Please.

Here's his secret recipe.

Take a thick slice of bread. Butter it, and butter it well, or what's the point? Add some cinnamon sugar. Ditto for the sugar. Place it butter side down in a frying pan.

Toast the bread on one side in the pan. Be vewy, vewy careful when you're hunting rabbits toasting the bread. It would be a shame to burn such a fine, fresh specimen. Now the next part is tricky, so please, pay close attention. Once the bread is toasted on one side, flip the bread onto a plate, so the toasted side is facing up. Spread your favourite preserve on top. Here I am demonstrating the use of three berry jam, heavy on the raspberries. One can never have too many raspberries.

He outdid himself this morning. The warm bread was thick and chewy while the jam mixed with cinnamon sugar with a bit of crispness underneath was in a word - yummy.

I mentioned yesterday that I start my day in front of a warm fire. It's warm because I sit on this side of the table. The other side is hot. I just wanted you to be sure, I don't exaggerate about things like that. Keepin' it real is all.

Here's another gratuitous fire shot and my newest favourite little gadget. Any idea what it is? Leave me a comment and give it your best shot. Just, you know, be vewy, vewy careful.....

Be well friends!