Bread Part2

I realized I never posted a picture of the bread I made.  That loaf is long gone but I made a new loaf yesterday.  Even yummier that the first.  This one I made with half bread flour and half wheat flour.  It used less ingredients than the 100% whole wheat but this loaf is fat free.  I used the recipe found that came with the instruction booklet.

This is yesterdays loaf.  I just had a slice for breakfast mmm....

Here is the recipe:

1 2/3 cups water

3 1/2 cups wheat flour

1 1/2 cups bread flour

2 Tbsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp dry active yeast

This is the recipe from/for the Zojirushi bread maker, I can't say it will work for all break makers but I can't see why not.

In business news I'm looking to revamp the shop,  organize the shop sections and slowly add some new items.  Soon there will be more wedding decor, favors/gifts and play sets.  I'm really excited about a new play set addition but can't say just yet!

Did you see the new blocks sets in the shop?  Personalized children's name blocks, so cute for a nursery.  Great baby shower gift if the sex of the child is known.  The patterns on the blocks are hand painted and NOT paper.  A lot of block sets you out there are decoupage paper on the blocks, not here!.  The price is $4.00 per block

TGIF for now

XO,

K

The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Potter stopped by the shop this week.  Harry Potter that is.  I had a custom request from a lovely customer for a Harry Potter set including Hagrid, Snape, Voldemort, McGonagall, Dumbledore, Hermoine, Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy.  I just love how they turned out so they are now apart of the Knottingwood family

Raggedy Ann and Andy also stopped by. 

I have quite a few project ideas on the table and in my head.  Each weekend I've been taking time to create new items to keep the shop fresh.  M-F is dedicated to custom orders.  I like the new work schedule as it gives me a chance to get creative and keep me out of a rut.

The husband and I are enjoying a nice holiday weekend hope you are too!  Oh and I made my first loaf of bread in the bread maker this week.  Came out fab!  I'll share some soon!

XO,

K

Bread Master

In an effort to control the ingredients in the foods my husband and I eat, I made the move and purchased a bread maker.  I can now make natural, organic bread with simple ingredients.  No more processed bread for us.  A huge money saver too!

I ordered the Zojirushi from Bed Bath and Beyond.  It came yesterday!  I'm so excited to try it out.  Not only can you make white, whole wheat, sour dough and more you can make pizza dough, jam and even meatloaf.  It has a timer so you can set it up the night before and wake up to fresh baked bread.  YUM.

Tomorrow night will be our first attempt at pizza dough.  Crossing my fingers we don't blow it.  I think we'll be fine.

Tune in tomorrow to find out how we did!

XO,

K

Texas?

My husband called me from work today.  He was told by his boss that 60% of his department will possibly relocated to Maryland or Huston (most likely Houston).  Some time mid to the end of this year.  He asked me how I felt about it.   How do I feel about?

Hot dog I'm ready to pack my bags now!  I see as it as an adventure I might not have ever had the chance to experience.  Not to mention you can get a home twice the size of ours for half the price! He has more hesitations than I do.  Mostly b/c my in-laws are 83 and we would be so far away (but as my mom would say "that's what plans are for") and kids although the 2 older ones are adults, Matt will be 16 this year.

It's really not a choice. If we don't go Joe has no job and we have no heath insurance. (He works for a brokerage firm)  He has to be covered considering he has a heart condition.  It's not definite but it's a huge possibility.  He also worries about me, but I up for the adventure.  Most of my family lives in SC and FL.

I would miss a few things and hope I can find somewhere in Houston.  Real NY Bagels, NY Pizza, Pork stores ( butcher )  and Pork Roll (it's a Jersey thing)  Other than that... Huston hear I come.

We'll see what the future holds but I game for the adventure......

XO,

K

HAPPY 2012

Happy New Year!  I can't believe it's the start of a new year.  Ready for new memories, hopes and dreams.  My wish for 2012....happiness and health for my family, friends and those whom I may touch or be touched by this year.

I do have 1 selfish wish for the year.  A wish I dare not say but pray for God's guidance as only he knows my path.

May you and your family a blessed New Year

XOXO,

K

Crock Pot Part 2

Yesterday was round 2 with the crock pot.  I forgot to take pictures of the end result but trust me it was delicious!

I made pepper steak but substituted chicken for the steak and chicken bullion cube for the beef the recipe called for.  We have a winner winner chicken dinner!  The chicken was tender to the point it fell apart which I like.  If you like your peppers crispy I recommend adding them about 1/2 hour before it's done.  I like mine mushy so I added mine in the beginning.

This recipe came from allrecipes.com

Simple Pepper Steak

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips garlic powder to taste 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cube beef bouillon 1/4 cup hot water 1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup chopped onion 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
2.	Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
3.	Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Enjoy! XO, K

Ain't she cute

XO,

K