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So Short

I wish the weekend wasn’t so short. You blink and it’s Monday. This weekend was especially quick for me since I worked half the day Saturday. The second half of the day I spent baking bread. I started my baking frenzy with two sourdough loaves. While those loaves proved, I started the sourdough chocolate star bread dough. Fortunately, I had my timing down pat, so both loaves of bread turned out great and not under or over-proved.

Sunday I set out to bake two loaves of French bread and then bake a deep-dish pizza for dinner. I’ve made the French bread loaves several times now, so it goes pretty smoothly. I was a bit worried about the pizza dough, but that was easier than I thought. While both turned out well, I’d make some alterations to the pizza recipe. Honestly, we liked the taste of the crust and sauce. When it came out of the oven, however, it looked like it had a trifling amount of filling instead of being full of cheesy goodness. Next time, I’m going to double the cheese and double the sauce. Now it’s Monday and contrary to my weekend it’s not so short.

Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.

The most ambitious DIY project I’ve ever taken on is probably starting my sourdough baking obsession. I don’t do any DIY around the house as my husband is the absolute expert there. Starting sourdough, even as an experienced baker, was a bit intimidating. With practice, it’s becoming easier. Nonetheless, the sourdough starter can be an absolute heartbreaker. To make it more manageable I’ve started keeping it in the refrigerator during the week. This way I don’t have to feed it daily anymore.

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Busy Bee

I was a busy bee baking up a storm this weekend. Saturday I baked some sourdough French bread, while yesterday I baked sourdough loaves, croutons, and blueberry muffins. Now my house is full of baked delights. At this point, I think it’s probably time to add a bread box to my countertop, so I can properly store the loaves. Currently, gallon-sized zip lock bags store them individually. I did, however, order some special wax paper to wrap them in.

While the bread was proofing, I began reorganizing my pantries. I still have a ton to do, but at least I have consolidated all my baking tools. That’s the nice thing about baking breads, you’re not an attendant to it all day. The inactive time outweighs the active part when it comes to baking bread. We still have way too much clutter in the house that we need to work through. I’m not working next weekend, so the junk drawer and the cabinets above it are on my radar.

Special shoutout to my middle boy Goalielocks for winning another beach volleyball tournament with his partner Izaiah. They’ve done well for themselves this season. I’m excited to see where they take it. Jake also started a new job, which is exciting for us. It’s also much more relaxing than worrying about a kid down range. I have a lot to be grateful for in my life that is for sure.

Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end.

My ideal day would start with my large cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee. I’d sip my coffee while watching the Great British Bake Off with my puppies. After coffee and a little GBBO action, we’d head for a hike or walk. My ideal day takes place out west or in Norway where there are beautiful mountain hikes that I’d love to explore with my family and dogs. After a day of hiking, we’d eat dinner outside on the deck enjoying the crisp mountain air and the clear skies. My ideal day would end with me in bed reading before falling asleep.