There is, as it turns out, a rare perk of getting up at the crack of dawn with the kids: making bread. While Dora or Thomas or some other mind-numbing cartoon plays in the background, I've discovered that it requires little alertness to measure out flour and yeast, and oil up a bowl. The dough is then left to double in size under the warmth of the heat pump while I slowly come to life. Then there is the kneading - a lovely, mindless, therapeutic activity - shaping of the dough and baking. It is difficult to describe the delicious wafts of freshly baked bread filling the house and almost impossible to convey the equally delicious smugness of being the sort of mother who has managed to whip up a loaf of bread for the family before 8.30am. Who cares if the kids are still in their pyjamas watching TV, the kitchen looks like a flour bomb has hit it, and, if we're being honest, the bread actually has a rather yeasty, doughy flavour and everyone would rather eat Vogels....?
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| Wholemeal bread loaves |
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| My first bread loaf ever! |
Still, the fact that I've entered the bread zone at all, makes me feel like my baking has gone up a notch.
One notable failure, which didn't even get a picture and was swiftly converted into a bread and butter pudding, was my attempt at brioche. Tips and recipes are very welcome from accomplished brioche makers!
On more familiar territory, I've also tried a few more cupcake recipes and believe I am improving. Check these babies out...
They got the nod of approval from this baby too...
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| Emily - cupcake taster #1 |
The Hummingbird Cafe recipe book has some awesome cupcake recipes. Tamara Jane's cupcake recipe books are also inspirational for decorating ideas. I just need more time. And talent. TTFN!
I am impressed Jude. Did all this talent come from me? I used to make you cupcakes (or paper cakes as we called them)when you were small. Have you tried your great grandmother's recipe?
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