Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara
Sharing the Good Life
It doesn’t take much to entertain me but when I can go from this:
Rinsed Wheat
to this:
Fresh Whole Wheat Flour
and then to this in just a bit over an hour,
Fresh Whole Wheat Bread
I’m amazed! Well, it did take a bit of help from these guys:
Honey, Oil, Yeast, Gluten, Dough Enhancer, Salt and Water
The most amazing thing is . . I took a picture before slicing off a hunk of that bread. You know how it is . . I have to make sure it’s fit to feed my family! 
The general store had white flour and Prairie Gold wheat berries from Wheat Montana. I can’t believe the price they sell this for so I got a 50 pound bag of wheat and a 50 pound bag of flour. Usually I stick the whole bag in the freezer for a few days to kill any critters that may have found their way into the product but my freezer is so full.
I’m having to freeze it in smaller amounts, then I’ll dump it into the buckets, seal it all up and have enough flour to get me through probably September and enough wheat to get me through . . the rest of my life!
I’ve been ordering 5 or 6 gallon buckets but decided to check at Wal-Mart and the grocery store to see what they do with the buckets they empty out . . food grade buckets of icing and such. Bingo! The grocery store sells 3.5 gallon buckets for .50 and Wal-Mart sells the 5 gallon buckets for $1 . . compared to $5 – $7 each for new buckets, plus shipping! The new buckets I buy are heavier and better quality but the used ones will work just fine! I have a few gamma seal lids but will order more. We’ve now put chicken feed, rice, beans, wheat, flour . . you name it . . in the buckets. I love having the 3.5 gallon buckets because they’re way easier for me to lift if I’m stacking them on top of each other. I can’t lift a 6 gallon bucket full of wheat up over my head!
Yesterday I started out with big plans to sew. Then I decided to make a loaf of bread for the people in Vince’s department. I could give them each a jar of the Caramel Apple Jam and a loaf of home made bread. Great idea . . till I was halfway finished and realized what a job it was! 10 loaves of whole wheat bread and 2 loaves of cranberry banana nut bread to take for snacking. Today is the last day of work til after Christmas.
I don’t even know how many times I filled the hopper.
But between the 2 loaves I made on Wednesday and the 10 loaves I made on Thursday, that’s close to 36 cups of flour. The little wheat mill got a good workout!
I’m not a farm girl but even I know this isn’t wheat though I found it in my wheat!
And, since last night I figured out how to add a video to You Tube, here’s another one for you viewing pleasure (or displeasure!). I definitely need more practice if I’m going to upload videos but this one kinda gives you a view of what’s going on in my kitchen.
Today, I plan to spend the day sewing! I may even request that I be taken to lunch at the Mexican restaurant . . I need a break from the kitchen.
EDIT: About George’s Onion Rolls . . they’re really NORM’S Onion Rolls. Don’t ask me where I got George! Maybe that’s Norm’s middle name!
Some would prefer to spend a day shopping or going to the movies. When I have a day to myself, it’s either sewing or playing in the kitchen. Vince wasn’t coming home for lunch today so I had a full day to myself. Started out by grinding wheat but I was also playing around with the camera and almost overflowed the cup! The Nikon D40 just amazes me. I love it and have been talking to Santa about the new D90 but Santa doesn’t seem real receptive to the idea. Hint: There’s a link to the D90 just in case Santa needs help or forgets which one I want!
Got the bread going and decided to make a pie. Remember when I canned the apple pie filling? Today was the first day I’ve made a pie using what I canned. Yes, I used a storebought crust! Bad Judy!
Bread and pie turned out great! Or, I should say it looks great. Haven’t tasted either yet.
We’re supposed to be having red beans, sausage and rice for dinner but Chad won’t be home for dinner and that’s one of his favorite meals so I will save the red beans for tomorrow night. The beans would be fine leftover but he dearly loves fresh cornbread and if I make it tonight, I’m not making it again tomorrow night. The beans hadn’t cooked down yet when the picture was taken but they’re just right now.
Then I decided I’d make brisket sandwiches tonight since I have brisket in the fridge that was going to be for lunch today. So, I made George’s Norm’s Onion Rolls from The Fresh Loaf. These rolls are so good and I love the feel and texture of the dough when working with it.
I weigh out the dough and make each roll 3.5 ounces for buns. There was one little piece leftover. One lonely little roll .. hmmm, what should I do with that smidgen of bread dough?
Maybe make one little roll for me! Time for a break . . fresh roll, butter and an ice cold Dr. Pepper!
The loaves of bread have been put into bags, the pie is waiting til after dinner and the buns are done.
So, Dear Santa, if you’re still reading, this is what awaits you when you get home from a hard day at work. And, if you don’t want to get the D90, how about this lens?
I'm a pretty normal, everyday, run of the mill, quiet, … [Read on ...]
