Yes, yes- that was quite a blogging sabbatical. I'm sure you haven't been worried sick about me, but I thought I might explain what I've been up to lately.
Foremost, leaves. Oh, so many leaves. Thank goodness for that last storm, battling them off their perches so we won't have to fight them again until next year.
Enjoying the views, from a picnic in Lake Merritt...
...to sunsets right out the kitchen window.
Testing the limits of the amount of plants the truck can hold. Turns out the answer is lots!
Hosting friends for New Year's. We created a tableaux to attract various things we wanted this year- riches, travel, love, light, friends.
Mostly I've been occupied by fermenting in the kitchen (that's a positive thing, by the way). I'm anxiously awaiting my first batch of sauerkraut, made with the traditional juniper berries and a little bit of apple. I'm continuously surprised by how easy it is!
My second loaf of Sourdough came out of the oven last night and I'm learning so much about the alchemy of bread baking! Did you know you can attract the natural yeast in the air with flour and water?! Anyone want some starter?
So as the new year continues, many new things are just waiting to inspire us. I'm so excited to continue documenting my inspirations here. It's great to be back!
Good to have you back - I missed you!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of sourdough, and welcome back! I wouldn't be without homemade bread it's so much fun to make, and it tastes (and smells) soooo good! If you don't already have it, Peter Reinhart's 'Bread Baker's Apprentice' is a great book for technique and recipes. Just beware the cinnamon rolls...they're addictive! Love the plant filled truck, although I think you might have been able to squash one or two more in there, if you tried ;)
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like you really have been busy. Welcome back. Hope you'll come to the Gardening with Natives symposium.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back - a break is a good thing. All those plants - whew! Thanks for the catchup!
ReplyDeleteHave indeed missed you, Christine!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Golden 2011...
The bread looks divine. I've never mastered yeast breads, but enjoy 'quick' breads with baking soda/powder. Never enough time, but oh how I'd love the smell of your break in my home;-)
Alice