How to Slice Bread

The Perfect Wholewheat Flax Seed Loaf

I was about to share my flax seed bread recipe that friends had asked for. I use a bread machine, it's pretty foolproof, well if the operator has brain engaged! I made a loaf of bread yesterday that came out like a brick. I couldn't fathom it at first, it was a tried and trusted recipe of mine. I know I had entered the wrong program at first, but had corrected it. Obviously I had forgotten to add the yeast. Then I remembered I was distracted by Willow miaowing to come in or out during the middle of adding ingredients to the machine.

Not to worry I would put the failure out in the yard under the bird feeder, for the birds and deer to eat and get on with making a new loaf - and ignore the cat! So this morning I took the bread outside to break up. I could not break this bread, it was tough, I mean like a cannon ball tough. So I placed it on the picnic table and went into the garage to search among the tools.

At first I tried a very large screwdriver to prise apart the crust; no joy. Back to the garage and out with the hacksaw! Oh my, it was so funny here I am in the garden trying to saw through one of my culinary creations. Not such a good advertisement for someone who is normally viewed as a wizz in the kitchen, ha! I just had to take a photo.

New Design Bread Knife!

I couldn't help but laugh. I had to really use all my strength to pull the crust apart. Eventually I did get it in pieces and scatter it for the animals. The bread itself was soft inside and the birds are pecking at it. Just please don't report me to any animal organizations if you see any deer with missing teeth!

Kathy

It's Snowtime!

Lake in Bald Mountain Michigan

Yesterday as I was reversing down the drive on my way to the Post Office with all my Christmas cards for mailing to Britain with one day to spare, early for me, I had that old familiar feeling of no traction. Yes, it's that time of year again - Snow time in Michigan!

A little late arriving but it looks like a white Christmas after all, even if we missed out on a white Thanksgiving this year. So today I'm staying out of the cold biting wind and having a cook fest! The haricot beans are soaking as we speak for the home made minestrone soup. I'm still deciding what dish for the main course and should I really make a fruit cake / cookies? Can I afford the calories? Ha!

Path in Bald Mountain Michigan

Something about cold weather that brings out the cook in me, or is that the pig? I remember as a child nothing better than coming home from school or from a whole day playing out in the snow to a warming home cooked meal. Do kids play outside today? I mean for the whole day, sun, rain or snow?

Well it's back to the kitchen for me and I'll enjoy the snow from the view through my window. I'm still thinking about that cake. The real cooking starts next week with the making of the Christmas Pud - a great British tradition. I'll be making the Mr. Guiness's cake (guess what's in that...) a tradition in our family instead of the standard Christmas cake. Whatever you're doing, stay warm!

Kathy