So I was thinking about this all today while enjoying my coffee and reading Nick Malgieri's "Bread" book. I absolutely love his writing and recipes, and I immediately decided that I wanted to make a loaf a bread (which I haven't done in a long time...shhhh!) His fennel and black pepper bread really called to me, and then his "quick changes" box at the end of the recipe suggested rosemary instead of fennel and red pepper flakes instead of black pepper. Now, if you know me, you know my love affair with rosemary. It's woody, earthy perfume is just what I need on a dreary February day. I'm torn between the black pepper and red pepper flakes. I think I will decide when I mix it up. Best benefit to making bread? I can tape hoops while letting it rest/rise!!!
I really like Nick Malgieri's method of mixing, resting, forming, resting, forming again and then resting. Finally forming into it's final "loaf" stage and then resting once more before it's oven rise. The dough feels amazing!!
I wanted to open the oven and peek sooo bad, but I behaved and waited until my timer went off and this is what I was rewarded with!!!!
With all the form, rest, form time I had on my hands, I created some unisex looking hoops. Meaning, come on, Guys....you know you want to hoop. Check out Baxter....he'll show you how. http://www.hooppath.com/cms/
I think I've had a pretty productive day. Unless you consider the fact that I was supposed to be cleaning out the pantry.
~J
