Attempting Italian Bread

Happy Christmas Eve!!  Mister and I are in the kitchen preparing for a family dinner tomorrow and I remember that last year I was in here creating a taste of my past and making Lefse (yes, that is a link that you should definitely click on).  So this year, we're going forward instead of into the past.  I have always wanted to venture out a bit in my bread making arena and today is my chance.

A few weeks ago, I went on a hunt for a cookbook I have had FOREVER.  It had vanished.  Oh, I know it's here somewhere and long after I'm gone my kids will find it and remember me calling each one of them asking if they have it.  It'll be fun giggle for them.  I say this because I gave up the hunt, went on the internet, and ordered another copy of it. Yes, I liked it THAT much.  It's from 1973 and this one is in much better shape than the one I had.  It doesn't have all my wonderful notes in it, but I'm ready to go.  Today, we are going to tackle Italian bread.

It's really kind of funny to me because it shows how much our social wording has changed.  The category that the Italian Bread recipe is found under is "Foreign and Holiday Breads."  Cool, let's bake.

Tuba Christmas in the Tunnels

It's been a few years since we attended a Tuba Christmas and I would like to go today.  Driving downtown on a weekday is never on my list so DART it will be.  My sweetheart is working from home today and decides to take a little longer lunch and join me.

It has been raining all day so the concert has been moved into the tunnels downtown.  I have never been down there so this peaks my interest too.  We arrive a bit early and it's a good thing.  Oh my, there is not a lot of room down here and a LOT of tubas.

On the Way to Pick Up a New, Shiny, Red Gift

Back on 11/25 we checked out several new cars and I came away loving this red Subaru Imprezza.  Nothing happens fast in our house and I think Mister likes the blue Volkswagen better so only time will tell which, if any, one of the two make it home with us.

Oops --- Water Issues

CRAZY, CRAZY rain today.  It just keeps pouring and we have rivers flowing down the street.  As I glance outside, the water in the street seems extra special strange to me and I call to my sweetheart to come and peek. 

It is moving down the street in milky waves.  I've never seen anything like it.

1st Annual Ornament and Cookie Exchange

I'm just going to say this right out -- the holidays are tough for me.  Most of my family is a long ways away and it makes it impossible for large Christmas gatherings AND even if we could, they need to be in their own homes enjoying this time of year.  The facts don't change though -- it's hard.  It's the only time of year that I really wish I could go back in time and have littles all over again.  Oh the magic of it all and the fun I had with traditions.  It's that word, tradition, that made me think this year.  Perhaps, new traditions need to be put in place.  New gatherings.  New joy in the season.

Cherry Eggnog Tea Bread

Here is today's second tea bread recipe and I have to tell you that I have NEVER smelled a batter as divine as this one.  Please don't let the initial pictures scare you off, I really didn't kill anything, honest.

Cherry Eggnog Tea Bread (also Pampered Chef)

Preheat oven to 325°F.  Spray loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.  Chop maraschino cherries to measure 3/4 cup.  Place on paper towel to drain.

Peanutty Chocolate Banana Bread

It's Baking Season!!!  Why don't I do this more often?  The smell in the house is divine and I do so love working with dough.  Today I am making a couple of tea breads and will share them in separate posts.  They are both old Pampered Chef recipes and available for free on their website, so  no worries here.

First up is Peanutty Chocolate Banana Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Spray a loaf pan with vegetable oil.  In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.