Today's Bread

Today I made some whole wheat bran bread that was simple and yummy. I've been researching the various recipes and methods online because I certainly would love to bake it each week. I've made it just on occasion in the past. Since I will soon be a "work at home mommy" I aim to bake and cook even more.
This was made using the recipe on the back of the King Arthur Whole Wheat Flour package. Instead of 3.5 cups of the wheat flour, I used 1 cup of AP flour, 2 cups of whole wheat flour, and 1/2 cup of bran. Texture was great but I would like it a bit more chewy next time so I might knead it more. Or, rather, I will let the KitchenAid "knead" it more. I used the bread hook on the dough for around 10min. on Speed 2 but it may need longer than that. I did find a helpful hint somewhere online to not preheat the oven. It helps with the texture somehow. Anyhow, it turned out great and went well with some homemade veggie soup with garden fresh veggies (even though it's like 150 degrees here in Florida).

I love my torch

I am so excited that with one great tool, I am empowered to either put the finishing touch on my favorite dessert (creme brulee) or create a beautiful piece of jewelry.
So my first project was jewelry because I had too much sugar last week. Take a look at my creations.

I soldered sterling silver wire to create earrings and a pendant. I also hammered the pieces because I like more textured jewelry. They sat in pickling solution for a few minutes then I tumbled them in stainless steel shot.
The wire solder I used took awhile to melt so it must be medium or hard although I thought I ordered easy. It wasn't labeled when it arrived. However, it could just be my use of the flame as a couple pieces melted fine while others took longer.
Considering I've only taken one class previously, I am satisified with these results created on my own.

Light Summer Fare

When it's getting warmer outside, I can't bog down my stomach with heavy, meaty food. So I fried up some falafel for tonight's dinner. Here is my simplified version of the middle-eastern classic:
1 can garbonzo beans (15.5oz, drained)
1/2 onion, finely minced
1 tblspn. of minced garlic
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. Greek seasoning
Flour
Oil
1. Put drained garbonzo beans in food processor or chopper and pulse until finely chopped and almost paste-like.
2. Combine mashed garbonzo beans with onion, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Mix in 1 tblspn. of flour and gradually mix in more flour until you can shape a nice 2"-3" patty with your hands and it holds well.
4. Heat oil on medium (if you're accustomed to frying you can let it heat while you are shaping the patties, otherwise you may want to keep an eye on it).
5. Fry patties about 5 minutes on each side, or until a nice golden brown (see how mine turned out in the photo).
6. Serve with sliced cucumber and tzatziki sauce.
I made the tzatziki sauce by combining the following:
8 oz. plain yogurt
Half cucumber, finely chopped
1 tblspn. Minced garlic
1 tspn. dried dillweed
Chill after mixing together and dip your cukes and falafel in it.
*I am certainly not touting these as ethnically authentic recipes, but rather my "pantry shortcut" versions to satisfy my cravings. Hope you enjoy them as well!*

Upcycling Crayons

Brooke loves trying to color with her older brothers' crayons but of course they end up broken and really shouldn't be anywhere near a toddler's mouth! So today we upcycled all the little pieces by melting them into larger crayons that will be less likely to become lodged in her windpipe. This is a very simple project, just follow the steps below:

1. Preheat oven to 230°.
   
2. Unwrap all your crayon pieces
   
3. Sort pieces into colors, or just mix them up.
   
4. Put pieces tightly into a muffin pan, or candy mold (one that you don't want to use for food anymore).
   
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until you can't see any more solid pieces.
   
6. Carefully remove from oven and cool (remember it will be liquefied wax so place it where it can't be disturbed).
   
7. After cool take new crayons from molds and start coloring!
   

 

 

Treasures from the Gulf

The wonderful thing about living in Florida is the infinite inspiration provided by natural the beauty here, particularly from the clear, warm waters along the Gulf coast. Take a look at one jewelry-maker's take on the colors and patterns found around the Gulf of Mexico.

Smooth Shaving

I love trying new soaps and scents but I really don't like having a different product for each part of my body or for each shower activity.
Here's a soap that is great for simple washing AND for a thorough shave!
My legs are silky smooth right now after shaving with Pumpkin Spice Mocha soap from LathersbyLinds

This scent also transports me to fall of course, which is an instant pick-me-up sans caffeine!

Great Pairings

I’m not talking about wine, but jewelry colors. These are some of the combos that have really been eye candy for me lately:
Green & Copper—seems like a natural for redheads (I have red hair and green eyes).
Silver & White—understated yet elegant.
Pink & Orange—vibrant and young.
Light Blue & Copper—sunset and sky colors? Not sure, it’s been raining too much in Florida lately.
At the top--Green jade stone bracelet I paired with goldstone beads. I made copper finishings for it.



Light blue dyed howlite stones alternating with copper-colored goldstone beads.