Snow has been falling almost all day and it is freeeeezing cold outside; it is expected to start raining this evening and create lots of ice. It looks beautiful, but it is a beauty best enjoyed through a window from a cozy perch.
 |
| Looks like Bessie might need more than just her scarf! |
After closing work a little early and getting back home, it was time to hunker down. There are a few things that say snow day for me: 1-pajamas, 2-roaring fire, 3-movie, 4-nap, 5-board game, 6-baked goods. I wasn't really concerned about items 1-5, these are no brainers, so the question was what to bake. With the holidays recently over I'm not really craving any cookies or sweets, but a nice loaf of bread sounds just right. I grabbed a recipe for focaccia that I had used before and got mixing. It is from a cookbook that came from one of my all time favorite
restaurants.
 |
Proofing yeast (1.25t),
water (1C), & honey(1t) |
 |
Yummy Christmas present honey
|
 |
1.White/Wheat Flour (1.5C each)
2.Salt (.75t) & Rosemary (1T)
3.Olive Oil (1.5T) |
 |
| In the mixer for a few minutes |
This winter I have fallen in love with our fireplace. Yes, I'm sure that some day I will be tired of lugging around logs and putting in the time of getting a fire going and heating the place up slowly, but I am loving it for now. Also, it works great for getting the dough to rise!
 |
| I lost... |
 |
| Rising by the fire |
 |
| 1 hour of rising |
 |
| Punched down & another hour of rising |
Now, for whatever reason, I decided to roll the dough much thinner than usual. I think maybe I wanted a big loaf of bread even though I halved the recipe.
 |
| 20min at 400F |
 |
Focaccia bread with vegi burger,
mozzarella, roast yellow pepper |
Well, with some PJs, a raging fire, some fresh bread, and being with someone I love, I would say that this storm has been weathered quite well. Of course, having a snowblower that looks like it came from
Mad Max doesn't hurt either.
