Make Some Bread, Make Some Smiles

I love to do one thing in life more than anything else and that would be making bread. It is an act that screams, "I Love You" with all my heart. Bread making can be frustrating and difficult...fickle in it's ability to perform with the expectations of the maker. Making bread is like living with a man...sometimes it's with wild abandon and sometimes...it. just. ain't. there.



I think this problem has been resolved with the discovery of The Best Bread Recipe Ever. I am not going to reprint any of the recipes used in this post out of respect for these incredible bloggers...just go to visit their links and you can thank me later.



Chickens in the Road, is a captivating blog that I stumbled upon somehow. I have never regretted it. Suzanne Mcminn writes with a free spirit and graciously shared her time honored and true recipe for making bread. This recipe was tempting me, so I made it. Again, go visit Suzanne's blog for complete recipe and simply thorough directions.

This dough rose brilliantly and within the allotted time which was approximately one hour for it to double in size. I love to punch down dough. It is a great experience to alleviate any stress you might be feeling.

I got the loaves into the bread pans and set them out to rise again. And left them again for the allotted time. Once again...they did beautifully.

I returned to find two loaves that did exactly what they were told to do. I like it when bread behaves. It really makes me smile.

See....nice and high. A pillow of yummy goodness ready to go into the oven and make my world perfect. Well that and some of my Amish Country Butter.

This is attempt number one and while it isn't the prettiest loaf I have ever made...let me just tell you. The smell emitting from my oven was enough to make a crazy woman waiting for BLOGFEST feel sane. Of course, I am not as good as My Metabolic Rate is Stuck.

She is much better than I am...she buttered and split top her bread, but I am thrilled that I could inspire her to make this recipe the same day I made mine. That just tickled me pink!!!

Of course, I had to taste it hot, out of the oven with some Amish Country Butter melted on top...just because I am nice like that. This bread has a crisp and crunchy exterior while the inside is light and airy. It holds it's shape and the texture is fine as silk. As I type, I am nibbling on a slice with some mayonnaise and vine ripened tomatoes and a little S & P. Life doesn't get much better than that.

Well...it would if you made this super easy egg salad recipe found on Noble Pig's blog. Cathy is one of my favorite read's and when she says something is quick and easy and yummy as well...she is usually on the mark. I trust her culinary expertise and exquisite food tastes. If I lived on the west coast, I would probably be stalking her, but I don't so I just live to see her blog and what she's cooking up next in her adventurous life.

I made the scrumptious and super easy, egg salad and got it all chilled in the fridge while I fried up some thick slices of country smoked bacon. Home-made bread, fresh romaine, crisp bacon, and the creamy egg salad made for a wonderful light, summer supper.

Yeah...it was that good. Come on...make bread and make happy.