Big Bread!

This bread rose so high I had to remove the top rack...it made a dent in the loaves!



This recipe (adapted from a Food Nanny recipe) only makes 2 loaves...so works with a Kitchen Aid mixer that has a smaller capacity than a Bosch.

Honey Oat Wheat Bread

Mix in a small bowl and let sit until bubbly...about 10 minutes:

2 1/4 C warm (110 degree) water
1 T yeast (I used SAF)

In bread mixer bowl mix:

3 T oil
3 T honey
1 egg
5 T oats (old fashioned or quick)
3 C whole wheat flour
1/2 C gluten flour
yeast mixture

Mix (or stir with a big spoon) about 2 minutes. Then cover and let set for 20 minutes until bubble appear on top and mixture is almost doubled.

Gradually add about 2 C white flour...enough for a soft dough. Knead 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl; spray top with Pam and cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Divide in half and form into loaves. Oil tops and cover with towel; let rise until doubled again...about 45 minutes. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Butter loaves when they come out of oven.

Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

Tomato Cream Sauce
(from The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner)

Saute in a little olive oil:
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped

Add:
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 C Parmesan cheese
1/2 C cream (or half and half or just use milk to cut down on fat)
1/4 C lo fat ricotta
20 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 t dried)
1/4 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
1/4 t crushed red pepper (optional)

Simmer until thickened, about 15 or 20 minutes and serve over fresh pasta with more Parmesan.

Spring in Clayton...

Our yard often has issues, but right now things are beautiful....
The roses are blooming...




In the back yard....










The apple tree....these will make good pies!






Lilacs...I wish you could smell these!




California Poppies in Clayton...




A rose in the garden...

Spring walk

Kathy B was in town last week so we went for a walk and really enjoyed the beautiful California weather!

Can you see the baby ducks.... Beautiful roses....

We counted 15!(baby ducks that is)

Azaleas and crepe myrtles are blooming...

Cecil Brunner roses...

Wisteria...

Taco Soup

This good on a cold day...I often double it and give some away.

Taco Soup

1/2 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
1 28 oz can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can kidney or canneloni beans
2-3 T taco seasoning mix
2 C water
6 corn tortillas

Brown meat; add everything else (tear up the tortillas or cut into triangles); let simmer 20-30 minutes; serve with sour cream and taco sauce.

Cute grandkids! (Of course!)

Just had to perk up my blog with a couple of cute pictures!

Here

Penny with the blossoms in DC!

And here are a couple of the Kodester!

Shall we call him Dustin, Jr.???


Two little cabbage patches!

A comforting message about the earthquake in Chile...