Frogs in the Kneading Bowls! When Bread is On The Menu

Salutations!

I could handle frogs in my bed, and I could handle frogs in the hall, I could even handle frogs in the bathtub, but not in the kneading bowls! There were frogs all over the Sunday school classroom as we listened to the story of the plagues in Exodus. The Word said that there were frogs in the kneading bowls.

I am attached to my bread bowl. I love its wide rim and deep body. I love the way the stainless steel shines. I labor with that bowl! It's so satisfying to lift the towel off the top, and see bread raised and ready for the oven!

One of my favorite bread recipes is this one from Edward Espe Brown.

Focaccia-Olive Oil Bread With Fresh Rosemary
Makes two loaves.


2 c. warm water
2 tbsp. dry yeast
3 tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced
1/4 c. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 c. unbleached white flour
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
3 c. unbleached white flour
Olive oil for glazing
Coarse sea salt

Start with the water. Stir in the yeast, then the rosemary, olive oil, and salt. Stir in the one cup of white flour and the 1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour. Beat about 100 strokes.

Fold in 2 cups of white flour, 1/2 c. at a time. Turn the dough out on a floured board and knead using up to one more cup of flour to keep from sticking. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. Punch down and let rise another 40 minutes.

Divide the dough in half. Shape each half as desired. Place on oiled sheet pan and brush the top with olive oil. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Preheat oven to 375. Let rise about 20 minutes, and then bake about 25-30 minutes until browned.


This bread smells so good! Have you ever noticed what happens when bread is on the menu? Put out a pretty dish of butter and it disappears! At first we cut it with a serrated bread knife into evenly spaced portions, and soon we just rip it off like wolves in the woods! Bread goes with anything. Have you ever asked yourself, "What should we have with...?" and all the while you were thinking about that one thing... Bread?

When you are plagued with the doldrums, and stuck in a slump, get out your kneading bowls! Teach your children about Pharaoh. I like to sing a little ditty, "No! No! They cannot go!"

This is dedicated to my very special little people at HBC. Especially James, whom I can hear singing our ditty with great enthusiasm.

Swinging with you,
Alis

Fit Children

Good Morning Porch Pals!

Track season has started! It's time to lug the shoes, shorts, water bottles, snacks, and other equipment around in duffle bags. Martial Arts practices year-round. Often a stray belt, white cotton pants, or t-shirt finds its way to the car or laundry basket.

Boys need activity. Climbing trees, balancing on a rip-stick, riding a dirt-bike, lifting weights, these are all activities that my boys enjoy.

With all that exercise they also need fuel. I've got baked oatmeal in the oven right now just waiting for the youngest to wake up to. The aroma of apples, vanilla-flavored almond milk, and cinnamon should have him up in record speed. The oldest will need energy later today after practice. I've got delicious little power balls in the freezer. The recipe is easy and nutritious.


Almond Butter Balls

1c. almond butter
1c. almonds, finely chopped
1c. dried cherries
dash of cinnamon
pinch of salt
dash of cayenne pepper
1/4c. unsweetened cocoa powder
2tbs. honey or agave

Mix all ingredients until blended. Roll spoon-size portions into balls. Freeze.
Store in freezer. I like to store three balls in a snack-size bag, and store all the snack-size bags in a larger zip-lock. The recipe will make about 2 1/2 dz.

Our whole family loves these!

I'm so glad that I can be involved in keeping my boys full of strength and stamina. It brings me joy to see them healthy and feeling great!

Little changes like skipping soda, staying away from fast foods, and making sure that something is available for them to snack on that is healthy is so important.


Full of vigor,
Alis

Do You Know Teeccino?

Photo by Kim Newberg/ Public Domain

Salutations!

Frigid! That word best describes the yard this morning. Dense icicles are cascading from the porch trim and all the items resting on the porch are seized with frost. The snow crunches, and the concrete is dressed in thin panes of icy glass. Brrr!

Inside, the thermometer, in the kitchen window, reads a half crack to the right. I'm not sure if it was ever accurate. Mornings like this were made for Teeccino.

Teeccino is Mediterranean Herbal Coffee. Made from carob, barley, dates, almonds, and chicory mostly, it is caffeine free and delicious. It is also ground and can be used in a French-Press or espresso machine. There are a variety of blends. This morning I am enjoying Java Organic. I add hot frothed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Teeccino has a slightly sweet taste on its own from the dates and figs.

Teeccino for two weeks can break a caffeine habit. I happen to be caffeine-sensitive, so it is a favorable option for me. If you are a hearty coffee drinker, your taste buds might take longer to acquire a taste for Teeccino. There are other health benefits. It's non-acidic, contains heart-healthy potassium, and supports your digestive system with prebiotics.

Kids can drink Teeccino too. It has less sugar than cocoa and zero stimulants.

Warm and inviting! That is the best word to describe a steaming mug of Teeccino. They have a website.

Have a great day!

Alis