[chocomouse]

Joan, that rye recipe is my favorite for basic sandwich rye bread. I now sub dill pickle juice for the liquid in most all of my rye breads. I think it contributes to the flavor and also helps the rise. I sometimes use pumpernickel flour, but a medium or dark rye works fine too. And I always substitute instant potatoes for potato flour.

[chocomouse]

Joan, my layers are not as neat and trim as hers. I love making things that are shaped differently; it's a pleasant challenge. Many of them don't come out looking as good as the photos by the bakers show, but nevertheless, they are fun to do. Some just need more practice and care. I've made most all of the large fancy wreath-shaped baked goods, the sunflowers, the braids, etc. Some came out looking as good as the originals, and all of them tasted great. Before I retired, my co-workers were very happy to eat my experiments

[chocomouse]

This morning I baked a new recipe from SmittenKitchen, Cinnamon Scones. The recipe is similar to others, but the shaping is what interested me. The dough is rolled out, half of it is sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, then the other half is flipped over on top of it. Then rolled out again, and half sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, and the other half flipped onto that. This makes layers of dough and filling, so the finished wedges are fanned out like the open pages of a book. Mine are not as pretty as hers, I need to practice, but they are delicious. They're very light and tender. I will practice more! I envision spreading a thin layer of jam between the layers, also.

[chocomouse]

Mike, I've had cataracts removed from both eyes. The easiest surgery I've had! My first replacement lens gave me 20/20 vision, but then when I had my stroke, one year later, I lost most vision in that eye. I can see light and dark, and vague shapes, but that's it, and it's permanent. A few years later, I had the other eye done, and have 20/20 for distance. I couldn't have the multi-focal lens implant because they are still trying to strengthen the left eye and get the two eyes to work better together. But, dollar store reading glasses work fine for reading. I'm sure you'll be happy with the results, but it will hardly seem like you've had surgery.

[chocomouse]

I also cannot stand avocados! I think it's the texture. But not sure I've had one in my mouth long enough to figure out if I like the taste or not! I have a lot of trouble with the texture of foods.

[chocomouse]

We had boneless chicken thighs with Greek seasoning, broccoli salad, and smashed potatoes.

[chocomouse]

Tonight I made quesadillas: ham, thin sliced onion and orange sweet pepper, pineapple bits, salsa, and cheddar cheese. They were excellent.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 11 months ago by chocomouse.

[chocomouse]

I made bagels this morning.

[chocomouse]

We had spaghetti, with hamburg, cauliflower, dried garlic chips, chopped onion and celery (I forgot the green peppers); and a green salad.

[chocomouse]

Great news! I think you'll be back to baking soon!

[chocomouse]

I baked another Apple Caramel Cake -- it's just as tasty as the first one! And it came out of the medium size bundt pan and the 4 small bundts perfectly!

[chocomouse]

BakerAunt, you can add any leftover beer to your compost pile - it's good nutrients for the garden. Although I would not suggest serving it to your Aerogarden (when you get one!)

[chocomouse]

I used the leftovers from the chicken-spinach-mushroom casserole to make soup. I added celery, carrots, and chicken broth. Delicious! I've added it to the winter soup rotation, whether from leftovers or made special.

[chocomouse]

I'm sorry to learn of Jozy's passing. I make her Rhubarb Streusel muffins every spring.

[chocomouse]

Today I made one of our favorite casseroles, which we don't have very often. It is chicken breasts on a bed of sauteed onions, garlic, spinach, then a layer of mushrooms - all topped with shredded mozzarella. I didn't get much of the liquid squeezed out of the spinach, so next time I'm going to try fresh spinach instead of frozen. I'll make the leftovers into a soup, possibly adding some small pasta, maybe orzo, or rice.

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