Aprons for the little people

I created this simple little number for Sebastian's best friend, Bella. It was my first attempt to sew something merely from the idea in my head. I was really pleased with the result. In fact, I think my next project will be making Mia and me matching half aprons.

Recipe: Miracle bread

I just have to pass along this recipe for bread that I received via my friend Jessie's friend Hannah. Whether you like hearty sandwich bread or hamburger buns, you'll be finished in about an hour, really. It's nothing short of a...miracle.

Miracle Bread
10 1/2 c. white bread flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. salt
3 rounded tablespoons instant yeast
3 T. liquid lecithin (I didn't have lecithin, so I used 1/3 c. oil)
4 c. hot tap water

Mix dry ingredients. Add lecithin (or oil) and water. Mix for 1 minute and check consistency. If dough is too dry, add a little more water. Dough should be very sticky. Mix for 5 minutes. (Do not add flour to the dough after it has finished mixing.) Spray counter and pans with Pam. Shape loaves, place in pans and cover with a dish towel. Let rise 25 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Makes 4 loaves.

For whole wheat bread (which I actually prefer in taste to the white, especially if you use King Arthur's White Whole Wheat Flour), use the same recipe only with whole wheat flour; replace one cup of the hot water with warm applesauce, and add 1 additional tablespoon lecithin. Mix for ten minutes.

**Note: if you are making this in a KitchenAid, halve the recipe and make 2 loaves of bread.**

A job well done

Our local family hero, Captain Terry DeRhoades, retired this month after 20+ years of firefighting. As many of you know, Ladder 31 came to my rescue 18 months ago when Mia was born. Captain DeRhoades delivered her without a hitch and has been a friend to our family ever since. Thank you, Terry!

Pandas & Blankies

I have fond memories of "pink blankie" that I had as a child. Sadly, it was relegated to the garage after a nasty vomiting incident that resulted in black mildew -- eck.

I couldn't help but smile when I noticed both kiddos with their beloved pandas and blankies this week.