Well, I haven't been able to post on here since Sunday, because our internet has been acting funny.  It wouldn't even connect at all for the last two days... but at last my hubby did something about it (for a temporary fix, at least!)   

I got a lot accomplished though...somehow not having the computer as a distraction does allow some time to get things done!    I deep cleaned several areas of the house, painted the kitchen cabinets, sewed an apron, cooked a whole bunch of great foods, and tonight I even cut and cleaned my first fish ...(My hubby and his brother went fishing tonight and brought three fish home).  We fried the fish up and they were so delicious!  There is no substitute for fresh fish like that!

Here's the apron I made...it's really simple but works great...I put a few pockets at the bottom which really are handy. 


Here are some of the things I baked while I was away from the computer:

This is a delicious loaf of Tomato bread.... it smells so good when it's cooking, and has a beautiful glazed look on the top.... I love the color and how pretty it is! 



Here's the top of the loaf, glazed with egg and topped with italian spices:



Recipe for Tomato bread:

1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
5/8 cup warm milk
1 can tomato paste
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried minced onion
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp italian seasoning
3 1/4 cup flour (You'll probably need at least a cup more than this- maybe even 2 cups more)

I rearranged the ingredients so that you can put them in, in order.

Place all ingredients in bowl in the order above... then knead together. ( I found that I had to add at least 1 1/2 - 2 cups of flour, so just keep that in mind as you begin kneading...you'll probably notice it's very sticky!).  

 Knead for about 5-10 minutes, then set aside for one hour.

Punch down dough, and let rest another hour.  Punch down dough and knead for 1 minute, then roll out, and roll up into a log.  

Glaze with an egg, and then place in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.   You will definitely enjoy the smell. I think this bread tastes good toasted with a piece of cheese. 


And here is a loaf of Orange Glazed Coffee Cake that turned out great (I could hardly keep the kids away from it!):





Recipe for Orange Glazed Coffee Cake:

1 package of active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup warm milk
1/2 cup warm or fresh orange juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 tbsp grated orange zest
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Glaze:

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Icing:

1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 -2 tbsp orange juice

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. 
Stir milk, orange juice, sugar, ricotta cheese, orange zest, salt, and egg into the yeast mixture.
Beat two cups of flour into the yeast mixture until a wet dough forms...then beat in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time until a stiff dough forms. 
Knead dough for about 10 minutes, adding flour to prevent sticking.
Place dough into a bowl and let rise for 1 hour.   Punch down, and let rise another hour.  
Separate into three portions, and roll into long tubes.   Braid tubes together, and then roll them into a circle.  
Glaze with egg.   Cook at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and is cooked in the center.     Let cool, then glaze.  

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My kids have been busy this week too!  They made some pretty crafts with popsicle sticks this week, and I just thought I'd share a couple of them...

Caleb's abstract piece:


Bonnie's "Gate"...


Well, that sums up the last few days here!      I notice there have been a few comments since I have been off the computer.... I will be sure to reply to those tomorrow!  

Have a great night!