Praise God-Making Fougasse Bread

Linking up with Ann over at http://www.aholyexperience.com/ today, 1000 Gifts.


Breadmaking-this was my first attempt at making Fougasse, and it was very successful.  I can't believe how good this bread tasted, and how easy it was.  I did the par baking for some of the batch to freeze and even when I took them out of the freezer and finished the baking they were delicious.  I will definitely be making these again, they are such fun to shape.

I highly recommend Richard Bertinet's book "Dough-Simple Contemporary Bread". His book also includes a DVD and he has such great simple instructions with photos for step-by-step procedure. There are lots of recipes and variations, I've tried about three different breads so far. You will never want to buy that store bought bread again.

I'm even a butter person for bread and you don't even need to put any on this, that's how good it is.

1000 Gifts and counting-joy and contentment come from thanksgiving/gratitude.

oven for easy baking
availability of good grain flour
clean water
Dough book for instruction
homemade quilted potholders
sense of taste

"How many loaves do you have?"  Jesus asked...He took the seven loaves...gave thanks....and they were all satisfied.  Matthew 15: 34-38

Blessings, Michelle

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Yum...red velvet cupcakes.  I made these on the weekend for my daughter...we came home and they just so happened to be being featured on the food channgel on TV, funny coincidence that made it all the more fun to enjoy these.  I found a great country store that sells some of this mix that I picked up before Christmas.  The cream cheese frosting is very rich, I made the oversized cupcakes for the first time and oh my they are sinful, but oh so good to eat.  It seems like cupcakes are such a rage now everywhere you look books, tv, blog, decorating them...they have really become such a celebrity....

So tell me have you made any celebrity cupcakes lately?  Are you make mini's, normal or extra large or one huge giant?  Are you making them for special occasions or just to make any day a special occasion?  What new type of cupcake or themed decorations are you trying?

Here's one site to check out, you are porbably all familiar with the name. http://www.wilton.com/cupcakes/ 

 Hugs,. Michelle

A Christmas M&M Story

Sorry, the phone photos are not the best today.

A Christmas M&M Story

As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them, you will see... The M
becomes a W, an E, and then a 3. They tell the Christmas story. It's one
I'm sure you know. It took place in a stable a long, long time ago. The E
is for the East, where the star shone so bright. The M is for the manager,
where baby Jesus slept that night. The 3 is for the wise men, who came
bearing gifts. W is for Worship. Hallelujah, praise His name! So as you
eat these candies or share them wit your friends, remember the meaning of
Christmas. It's a love story that never ends.
Merry Kissmas's
**EASY...and store great for a few weeks in air tight container.  Heat oven to 375, place pretzels on cookie sheet, unwrap {the hardest part of all} the kisses, place on pretzel, put in oven, watch closely {maybe a couple of minutes} do not burn chocolate, remove and place one red or green peanut M&M into the chocolate, cool {to harden quickly I place in fridge}, if you can save any to store you are doing well, it's hard to keep everyone from eating these tasty treats.  Enjoy!!
Blessings, Michelle

Soup's on!

Soup's On!!!!  Sunday's are the day I really spend in the kitchen enjoying cooking.  Yesterday's results:  TS dip & veggies, TS beer bread and a favorite soup:  Italian  Sausage Soup.

Italian Sausage Soup
1 lb Italian sausage, 1/2 c. chopped onion, 1/2 c. chopped green peper, 1/2 c. chopped celery, 1-20 oz can Italizan tomatores, 1 lb zuchini {sliced and quartered}, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 quart V-8 juice, 48 oz. chicken broth, {other veg as desired green beans, carrots}, salt, pepper.
Brown sausage, drain.  Saute onion and pepper in olive olie evo, add celery and zuchini and then all ingredients.  cover and cook simmer 45 minutes.  Serve with parmeisan cheese.

Enjoy.  A very nice heathly soup. 
 oregano and celery were from my garden...so much fun.