[chocomouse]

Today I made hamburger buns. I subbed honey for the sugar (1 tablespoon) and they did not brown at all. At least, I'm hoping it's due to the honey, and not a failing oven.

[chocomouse]

I shop only once every two-three weeks. We could eat out of the freezer for months if we had to, and if the timing was right, I'd have salad ingredients growing under gro-lights, or in the garden. When it is planting time in early June, I'll decide if I should cut back on the size of the vegetable garden (that's the plan as of today) or continue to plant an excess for storage. And right now, I have only about 5 pounds of AP flour left from my 50 pound bag, so I'd have to get creative with the baking, but at least I could use up the odds and ends of flours I do have on hand. When I shopped on Monday, on my list was hand-sanitizer, Lysol wipes, and toilet paper. The cleaning/sanitation supplies shelves were empty - not a single item that would meet the requirements for Covid cleanliness. There were only only a few packages of toilet paper (and I was not buying that for any Covid purpose!).

I just learned about an hour ago that our Stitches Convention in Hartford next week is cancelled. So I no longer need the hand sanitizer or wipes. I hope that everyone in our Nebraska Kitchen is finding what they need to stay healthy.

[chocomouse]

My husband got home really late from sugaring tonight, tired and hungry, so we pulled a jumble of things from the fridge to reheat quickly for dinner. He had leftover pork sandwich and 2 pieces of leftover pizza. I had leftover Greek pasta salad, leftover broccoli reheated, and cole slaw I made this morning. Feeling thankful for leftovers tonight!

[chocomouse]

Tonight we had blueberry pancakes, breakfast sausages, and fresh made-today maple syrup, the first of the season.

I have not learned, in 25 years, how to cook for two. I love leftovers, but I do not like eating leftover leftovers!

[chocomouse]

After a week living in a hotel, I really enjoyed dinner tonight! I cooked a pork roast in the tagine, using Tandoori seasoning from Penzey's, along with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Tender and delicious, with leftovers for another night.

[chocomouse]

Back home after a week away and happy to be baking! This morning I made a blueberry crisp, using up 5 cups of blueberries from the freezer. The kitchen has smelled wonderful all day, but we haven't cut into it yet.

[chocomouse]

I've tried a number of pump sprays over the years, and have not found even one that is acceptable. They clog, the mechanism breaks, it's too much or not enough oil, etc. Generally, they don't last longer than two or three uses.

[chocomouse]

Skeptic, that soup sounds really nice! It's an interesting combination of flavors.

[chocomouse]

The cookies are very good, although there is little to no flavor of the espresso or the Kahlua. I baked (from a double batch) 32 2"cookies, and then scooped and then freezing about 30 more balls of dough for later. These cookies are not quite what I had hope for; my preference is a thinner cookie with crisp edges and a chewy center. I had thought the dough was a little dry and that may be at least part of the problem. I'll make them again, and reduce the amount of flour.

[chocomouse]

The cookies smell wonderful, but we are not eating any until after dinner! I did not attempt to make these healthier, and I doubled the recipe. For the melted chocolate called for, I used the last of a block of milk chocolate I got at KAF years ago, when they sold the large blocks, and made up the rest in Baker's sweet chocolate. I couldn't find my bag of KAF triple cocoa blend, so used store brand unsweetened cocoa powder. Finally, I used Ghirardelli chocolate chips; the bag was labeled "bitter", but they sure taste like semi-sweet. I added an extra tablespoon of Kahlua, because the dough seemed a little dry. Just sayin'. The raw dough tasted delicious. I know, I know - raw eggs, uncooked flour. But I've been eating raw dough for 76 years and it hasn't killed me yet!

[chocomouse]

Tonight we had chicken thighs marinated in Greek seasoning, smashed potatoes with the same Greek seasoning, and roasted squash bites. This is one of my favorites dinners.

[chocomouse]

I'm glad you posted your results, BakerAunt -- this is on my list to bake tomorrow morning! I've not decided yet how much healthier, if at all, I will make the cookies. Nor have I checked my stash of chocolate in the freezer; I know there is plenty, but not sure of the quality. I'm going out of town tomorrow, and need something chocolate for the trip.....

[chocomouse]

I made two loaves of bread using the KAF Super 10 blend.

[chocomouse]

Mike, I do remember the pineapple juice discussions on the old Baking Circle, and carried over onto the Fresh Loaf. I've use pineapple juice myself, and it does wake up a lazy starter. I'm sure you'll enjoy Deb's class.

[chocomouse]

Tonight we had Shepherd's Pie. We've been in a deep freeze the last few days, 15 below the last two nights, and up into the 20s during the day. Just thinking about casseroles and soups makes me feel warmer.

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