Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Check Out This Recipe



I found this recipe online, but have not tried it yet.



Chocolate Bread

One 9-inch (23 cm) loaf

Use very good cocoa powder; here I used Valrhona, since I think the darker color and strong taste are important in the loaf. But another brand of Dutch-process cocoa should work fine, too.


If you don't have the coffee powder, you can leave it out. I like it since it add a subtle boost to the chocolate flavor. This recipe works best with bread flour, but if you can't get it, all-purpose flour works well, too. I've made a few notes at the end of the recipe about yeast and flour substitutions.


3/4 cup (180 ml) whole or low-fat milk, heated until just tepid

1 envelope active dry yeast (1/4 ounce, or 2 1/4 teaspoons)—see Note

6 tablespoons (75 g) sugar

4 tablespoons (55 g) butter, salted or unsalted

3 ounces (85 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional)

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 cups (280 g) bread flour

1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder


3/4 cup (3 1/2 ounces, 90 g) chocolate chips or coarsely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate

1/2 cup (70 g) toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)


1. In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Add one tablespoon (11 g) sugar, then set aside in a warm place for 10 to 15 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface.


2. While the yeast is activating, in a small saucepan, melt the butter and 3 ounces (85 g) chocolate over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.


3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, mix in the remaining sugar, the instant coffee (if using), the egg, vanilla, and sea salt.


4. Stir in half the flour and cocoa powder, then the melted butter and chocolate, then the remaining flour mixture, stirring until well-incorporated. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and beat for five minutes, until smooth. If making by hand, mix vigorously with a flexible spatula for the same amount of time. The dough will seem quite moist, resembling sticky brownie batter when ready.


5. Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.


6. Butter a 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan.


7. Stir in the chopped chocolate and nuts, if using. Then use a spatula to fold the dough over on itself in the bowl for about thirty seconds, then transfer it to the buttered pan, pressing a bit to spread it to the corners. Let rise in a warm place for one hour.


8. Ten minutes before you're ready to bake the bread, preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC.)


9. Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, until it feels done and sounds hollow when you tap it. You can stick an instant-read thermometer in the bottom if you're unsure; the bread is done when the temperature reads 180ºF (82Cº).

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Magazines



I received this email with a deep discount on magazines, so I was able to save a little money on the SI Kids. Ranger Rick is the other magazine I ordered while I was at it today. I think this is the first magazine my boys will have in their names.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Barns


I went out barn hunting the other day and found a few beautiful prospects, but the the roads around here really make finding a parking spot near to impossible. The pavement ends and the shoulder of about 6" begins, just before dropping off into a huge ditch. Cars are rushing by on their way to important destionations and here I am blocking their passage. I have my car pulled over to the side of the road as far as possible, but still halfway in the lane. It doesn't make them any happier when they see me peeping through the roof with my camera propped on top trying to hold my breath when I click a photo of some really neat old barn. I only tried this a few times before deciding to find a less busy location for my next photo shoot.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Monday, March 22, 2010

Friday, March 12, 2010

Fisherman


I caught this man down at the beach fishing and thought it was kind of neat.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Knit Hat


Here is the hat I knitted a little over a year ago when we were in Bend.

Thanks to my model :-)

Friday, January 1, 2010

Little Church



The weather here has been so dreary I thought I would try and get out with my camera and catch some of the fog and water saturated scenery. You sure forget that ya have to get out even in this nasty weather or else the doom and gloom attacks ;-)




This photo was taken on a rainy Willamette Valley day. It was almost dark, so I took my tripod out and took some shots. The boys ran around and got soaked and Craig held my big winter coat over the camera and me.
I couldn't tell which color I liked best. The original or one with just a hint of color. What do you think?
Yes Kelly, I think I remember those shots we took years ago at this church. Where are those photos anyway?


Mom I need some family photos so I can show T and C. They wanted to know what I looked like when I was little. The cute ones please! I hope to find one of me out in Dickey Prairie with all my wild clothes and the dresses over pants, or even better yet when I had the red rain boots with the little white (I think they were white) things on the side. I know for sure we have one on the back of that Dodge somewhere.

Love all my family!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Smith


"I feel like I am taking crazy pills. He only has one look". Compliments of Will Ferrell.




She is such a busy body, but here is one where she was sitting perfectly posed. I can't wait to take more with outdoor lighting.





She loves her mommy. This is a snapshot in between poses.



How cute are they? I had the worst of conditions on these photos. It was dark outside meaning no real good light. I do not have any lights to set up so that meant the overhead dining light was going to have to do.
They are soooo cute.

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