One year of bread making!

One year ago I decided to try my hand at bread-making. Im happy to say that we've bought very few loaves since then and Im really enjoying learning this new art. But an art it is, and Im still very novice at it. Some of my experiments have ended in the ugliest loaves you've ever seen. Not to mention all the help from the kids. Last week, just as my beautiful bread was finally ready for baking, I found it punched down and covered in sand. One of my little people just couldnt resist.....they have seen me punch it down...Im sure they thought they were helping! If only they hadnt been in the sandbox just before "helping". Sigh.

I've tried quite a few recipes, mostly whole wheat varieties. Im still learning about what affects the crumb, and how protein percentages change the gluten. How not to over or under knead, and how to get the perfect moisture content. One day I'll know 110 degree water by touch instead of a thermometer, but Im a long way from that!

To celebrate one year of making bread, I ordered this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Bread-Bible-Henspergers-Favorite-Recipes/dp/0811816869

I've checked it out from the library several times and today borrowed it from my friend Stefanii. Its time I have my own copy....now that Im a bread-baker!

Today I made Beth's Honey Buttermilk bread for the first time.....it wont last long around here!
It went from this:

To this.....

To this!

Learning the ropes of ice-cream making

Not too long ago, I scored a refurbished version of this ice-cream maker at Marshalls for $40. I began dreaming of the rich homemade ice cream we would enjoy all summer (ok, all year) and my list of recipes to try is already quite long.

As part of our Easter celebrating, I made my first batch. Mint chocolate chip is one of my favorites, and I carefully researched recipes for just the right one. Here's the recipe I landed on:

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/mint_chocolate_chip_ice_cream/

The ice cream was delicious.....eventually. But my first try at ice cream making was a wee bit bumpy. I followed the directions carefully, but in hindsight, a bit of background knowledge would have been helpful! When the batter didnt churn into ice cream after twice the recommended time, I started looking for suggestions. I came upon this list that I think is helpful if you are thinking about trying your hand at it.

http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/06/10-ten-tips-for-making-homemade-ice-cream-success.html

I ended up just freezing the batter. But that meant that the end result wasnt creamy, but hard. I dont blame the recipe or the maker. I should have done two things differently.
1. Should have had the bowl in the freezer for at least 24, but probably more like 48.
2. Should have cooled the batter overnight. The recipe calls for cooling it completely, but thats hard to know. I thought it was cooled completely in the ice bath, but I think this was the core of the problem.

Now that the mint is growing like a weed on the side of the house, Im almost ready to try again!