Even in Our Small Town, food prices have doubled or tripled in the past year.
One loaf of healthy, whole-grain bread such as what Pepperidge Farm or Earthgrains makes costs about $4.00 here. The closest discount bakery is a two hour drive and I don't want to eat nutrient-depleted fairy bread that costs only one dollar, so I am finally in bread-making mode.
The cool weather that has recently rescued us from the summer heat is another impetus. Oven usage is to be avoided in 100+ degree heat if possible (although I plan to keep baking our own bread even in summer), but using the oven in cool weather not only provides food, it also creates heat!
When I was growing up my family experienced homeade bread. I have fond memories of my mom and grandmother baking bread, and eating such bread with real butter and homemade strawberry jam while the bread was still warm.
Then there were wax-paper-wrapped bologna sandwiches on grandma's bread when we went picnicking at
Cheney Lake with her and grandpa, and PB&J on mom's bread when my siblings and I took our lunches to school.
Alicia's Version of Oatmeal Bread was my recipe of choice for this foray. I planned to start baking our own bread last year, but I kept procrastinating because it seemed an overwhelming process of mixing and kneading until my arm's about to fall off. I don't own a handy-dandy Kitchen-Aid mixer that mixes and kneads the dough for you. Alicia's recipe, however, is relatively quick, and my arm is still attached.
Happy Anniversary, Mr. H. I love you times three! Since My Darling Husband is a pilot and our wedding reception was held at an airport facility, we were able to fly away from the reception three years ago. This photo is of us with our heads in the clouds and off to new adventures.
