Bad Bread, Good Bread

Recently, I wrote to a friend about a banana bread I baked that turned out like a brick. I made it on a Thursday afternoon, then brought some to another friend Friday morning thinking it would be a nice snack on our way to an estate sale. I kind of knew it was not right, but I hadn't tried it yet. She politely evaded the task of sampling it without even saying a word. Or maybe she said, "Oh. It didn't rise," as I uncovered the dense, greyish block. It was actually funny in a not-laughing-out-loud sort of way. There it sat in the back seat of the car, ensconced in paper toweling, behind us, heavy, getting denser every second. A little bit later that morning I wondered aloud if maybe I should cut it into planks and bake it a second time, like you do with biscotti? A day later? I think it's this economy that has me thinking wildly frugal thoughts. After I got home I looked down the list of ingredients and realized I had forgotten the baking soda -- a crucial ingredient. No baking soda doth a hard bread make. Amazing how one little half teaspoon of something can really foul up a bread. However, here we have the lovely, fully risen, wonderfully good banana bread that I made a few days after the dreadful one. Baking soda included.

Bake Sale Success - $835!!!

OK, where the heck have I been? I think I went into a sort of half-sleep -- a blog fog -- only the hypnotist didn't ask me to count backwards from 10 to wake up. Whew! (shakes off sleep) I'm awake now, and have lots to update you on! First things, first. The bake sale! About 2 weeks ago (hm? could be related...), I decided to join in and organize one of the Bake for Hope bake sales. Lo' and behold, 12 bakers stepped up to the plate, and their ovens! Not just any bakers, mind you, but AWESOME bakers. The likes of Sherri S. (and her lovely eco-chic wax paper bags decorated with millinery flowers), Ellen P., Lisa M., Justine A., Ginger, and others! Such amazing goodies. The table was so full -- full enough, in fact, that I wondered how in the world we would sell it all!!! But, sell we did: we made $835 that day...stayed open an extra 3 hours to make sure all the delectables found homes. We had quite a crowd, and such a rewarding event -- these funds help uninsured women pay for their cancer treatment. No one should have to be afraid they can't afford the medicine it takes to save their life. More pictures of the day are here!

Cat Grass, Lounging Labrador, Red Velvet Cake

It's been quite a while since the last post. Summer can make one lazy. Oreo is on the mend, although there are still gimpy days (poor arthritic boy). He's eating his cat grass here, undoubtedly thinking, "where's the beef?" You can see a bit of his new cat smile sans the canines. I find it adorable.
Saylor is enjoying the new deck, here in a moment of quiet repose contemplating the other side of the canyon (where we used to live). Sometimes (a lot of times!) she goes outside and barks across to the other dogs, or so I think this is what she is doing. What could she be saying?
And finally, Red Velvet cake. It is James' favourite, and I made him two this year for his birthday. One for each party. It is a Martha Stewart recipe that is fool-proof. Given my baking skills, this is a testament to her impeccable recipe writing skills. I think the secret is the white vinegar and baking soda that you mix up and add at the end. Perhaps? And of course my new springform pans are the shiz. Baking truly is an art. My Grandmother was an amazing baker, so I have the genes. I think it's something you work on. I whipped up a few blueberry muffins this morning. Yummy. Arrowhead Mills bake mix makes it nice and easy. Has all the basics in it already. And the muffin recipe was on the back of the box. I left out the condensed evaporated milk and just sprinkled a little turbinado sugar on top for some sweetness. Other than that no sugar except for the blueberries. Tasty!