Heart-Shaped Pretzels & February Adventures: A Sweet Farewell to the Month of Love

Hey, hey, hey… what a month!

February comes to a close and what a doozy it was. For a short month, it was packed full. We had lots of guests, so entertaining included an airboat ride in the Everglades, several trips to the Yellow Green Market in Hollywood, FL, a tour of Miami's Wynwood Walls, a Polynesian night at Mai-Kai, and a day cruising around the Intracoastal Waterway on a water taxi tour of Fort Lauderdale with time to explore downtown Las Olas and the beach. Somehow in the midst of all that, we also managed to finished a 1000-piece Valentine’s puzzle, created a "Romantel" (a seasonally romantic mantel), signed up for a wine club membership, and practiced heart-shaped latte art daily with our new Breville Bambino espresso machine. I have no idea how we squeezed this all in. And to top it all off, I snuck in a quick interview with Bold Journey Magazine which you can read here if you missed it.

Speaking of heart shapes, how about these heart-shaped pretzels! I couldn't let February pass without trying these and they were most definitely the high of our Superbowl party. They had that perfect chewy soft pretzel texture with a touch of Valentine's spirit. Swoon… Obviously, they don’t have to be heart-shaped and in the future I’ll probably just cut little chunks of dough and skip the twisty shaping. The dough was surprisingly simple to make and with all the dough making that happens in this house, I kinda wonder why I waited so long to make them. Regardless of what shape you go for, just go for it cause they are fun and delicious!

Yields: 8 pretzels

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 10 cups water
• ⅔ cup baking soda

For Topping:

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling Instructions

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Activate the Yeast:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

Make the Dough:

1. Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
2. Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.

Preheat & Prepare Baking Soda Bath:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Stir in baking soda.

Shape the Pretzels:

1. Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope.
2. Shape into a heart by twisting the middle, curving the top shape, and then crossing the ends over each other, and pressing them together.

Boil the Pretzels:

1. Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel in the baking soda bath for 30 seconds.
2. Remove and place on prepared baking sheets.

Egg Wash & Bake:

1. Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
3. Cool & Serve

And that’s a wrap on February! I wish I could say things are slowing down in March but this is the start of all things spoon carving. My class at Morikami is already sold out so hopefully you got lucky and secured as spot. Speaking of luck, that’s the theme for March! We are leaning into green and gold and hopefully lots of luck. Lucky in what? I don’t know but more importantly, is a shamrock “Shamantel” in order?

Breadmaking Onboard: Adventures in Baking on the High Seas

Setting sail on the open seas is a wild adventure full of salty air, rhythmic waves, and endless horizons. But amidst the nautical chaos, there's a secret culinary magic happening – baking bread in the ship's galley. It’s different from land baking. The comfort and warmth of a fresh loaf in the galley brings the crew to sniff out what’s in store, and more than anything offers a hint of calm below deck when the waters get rough.

The Galley's Surprising Bread-Making Vibe:

Who would've thought the ship's kitchen would be the perfect spot for bread baking? Well, it turns out the galley's heat and humidity create a sweet spot for bread dough to rise and shine. In the cozy, compact quarters, the conditions are just right to make the yeast do its dance and produce the fluffiest loaves.

Riding the Dough Rollercoaster:

Now, it's not all smooth sailing in the galley. The ship's constant motion – whether it's a gentle sway or a more enthusiastic roll – messes with the whole bread-making gig. Picture this: trying to knead dough while the ship does its own interpretative dance. It's challenging, especially as ingredients move about, loose items fly around, and just standing upright is problematic. But a baker’s gotta bake, and the awkward galley space can just as easily become a meditative playground when your sea legs are about to give out. Deep breaths and knead dough… Some folks like to focus on the horizon but I just focus on the dough!

Making Bread, Finding Comfort:

Amidst the ups and downs, there's nothing like the smell of fresh bread wafting throughout the ship. It's like a warm hug for those feeling a bit seasick and a therapeutic distraction for times when I too feel queasy. Over the years it’s become my way to create something homey and familiar in a sea state that’s always unpredictable. Kneading, shaping, and baking – it's like a delicious rebellion against the storm. And when that fresh loaf comes out of the oven, warm and comforting, it's more than just bread; it's a symbol of strength, togetherness, and perseverance on the high seas.

Sailing into the sunset.

Baking bread at sea is more than a kitchen experiment; it's a crazy, comforting journey for any cook brave enough to face what awaits you offshore. The galley's controlled chaos, is a place to turn flour and yeast into a source of joy and stability. The aroma of freshly baked bread isn't just a kitchen treat; it's a reminder that even in the vastness of the ocean, the simple joys of life can be found in a warm loaf of bread, and a ship can be a home as good as any when you break bread with those you love.

Fair winds friends! And keep on baking!

How a New Year's Resolution Changed My Life

Hey there, folks! As we dive into a new year, I figured I’d share a story about how a simple New Year's resolution led me down a path I could've never imagined.

Picture this: I was on vacation in Argentina, sick and not feeling my best, and contemplating what life had in store for me back home in New England. I was living there at the time, and the idea of bringing warmth and good smells into my life as I was coughing and sniffling was beyond inviting. I was chalk full of inspiration thanks to the book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," where the author's husband was a weekend bread baker. The thought of making my home cozy with freshly baked bread intrigued me. Just a couple of powders and water mixed together could fill a room with comfort? It was worth a shot, seeing I was sick as a dog, and heading back to a frigid Massachusetts winter.

So, I made my New Year's resolution: Learn how to bake bread. I bought a bread cookbook and weekly set about the challenge of trying to bake bread. Little did I know that this decision would spark a journey of self-discovery and growth. Baking bread became more than a hobby; it was a pathway to self-improvement at a time in which I was generally “meh” about everything else in life. The resolution was a project that staved off boredom and gave me something to do during the slowness that is a Cape Cod winter.

The scent of freshly baked bread filled my New England home, and I realized that resolutions, goals, and curiosities are like breadcrumbs leading us to our future selves. I started to crave more of these learning journeys, and over the years dove into other resolutions like exploring coffee latte art, learning jump rope tricks, and mastering the art of cooking meats on the bone. All these ideas have been things that I’ve expanded upon, broadening my skills with every attempt. These curiosities saddled nicely with how to spend my time. They have become part of a catalogue of sorts for things to do when I think “there’s nothing to do”.

But here's the kicker: you never know where a new hobby or habit might lead you. I loved bread baking so much that I started dabbling more in cooking and eventually I decided to take it to the next level. I enrolled in the Nutrition Therapy Institute, a cooking school in Denver, CO. Moving across the country for this program was my exit strategy for a life that at the time felt underwhelming. The “meh” feelings had me wondering if I was settling for a lifestyle that was fine enough, but I didn’t exactly love. Culinary school was a way out. It shook-up the stagnation I was feeling while providing the best time to explore this side of myself. I enjoyed learning all about cooking and deepening my skills. My random resolution grew into a full blown passion! Shortly before graduating, I landed a job cooking for the Sea Education Association, an organization that sails internationally conducting science based research.

If you had told me that baking bread at home would eventually send me around the world, I would never have believed you. I would double down on that belief if you happened to be part of the lucky few that got to taste some of these early breads. Yikes. Bricks I tell you… BRICKS! They were not good but that was ok. They were fun to make! And the anticipation of tasting them fresh from the oven was a thrill every time, even when the hard, dense texture could not be overlooked.

The thing is though, a journey is journey and you can’t see the finish-line before you start. You just have to start chipping away, rounding corners, and navigating the various turns as they come so you can later look back with pride and discover how far you’ve come. Looking back you can see how much fun you had a long the way, and hopefully how much fun is still is store as a passion can just grow and grow.

This journey taught me that our ideas, resolutions, and curiosities shape who we become. So, as you embrace this new year, don't be afraid to chase your own ideas or whimsy interests. Who knows where they might lead you? And if you stumble onto something amazing, be sure to report back because I'm always on the lookout for another learning journey to explore. My 2024 New Year’s Resolution is still yet to be determined so send me ideas if you got them! And incase you feel inspired for your own bread journey, here is basic bread recipe to get you started.

Cheers to an exciting year of new adventures and unexpected discoveries. Happy New Year, everyone!

Halloween: Finding Sweetness in the Shadows

Have you ever felt that Halloween just isn’t your overflowing cauldron of some witch’s brew? If so, you’re not alone. For some, the spooky season carries a darker memory, and I’m here to share mine, which might resonate with some of you that aren’t the fondest of this holiday.

When I was a kid, I had a chilling Halloween experience that tainted my perspective on the holiday. I was staying at a neighbor’s house, where the babysitters decided to play a prank on us. They convinced me and a group of children that an intruder had entered the house, and chaotic terror ensued as they staged a bloody crime scene with eerie precision.

Terrified, we were told to hide in a dark closet for “safety.” The minutes (but actually it was the whole day) dragged on as we listened to ominous sounds from outside the closet door, believing the worst was happening. Eventually, the sitters revealed it was all a prank, but not before 6 year old me was traumatized by slasher stories and jump scares from people in masks.

Since then, I’ve never really been a fan of Halloween. It’s a time of year that seems to revel in fear, with abrupt knocks at the door, costumes without faces and the unnerving audacity of a person standing in silence expecting me to give them candy. I don’t like it. And I especially don’t like it if I’m alone. Off experiences, be it that particular Halloween and other such creepy encounters have made it difficult to embrace the spooky festivities. Throw in the death of my parents, the covid pandemic, and just the inescapability of daily news headline saturated in fear and violence only further encourages me to opt out of this holiday.

But if you can relate to this sentiment, fear not! I have an alternative way to spend Halloween that doesn’t involve trickery or terror. Instead of cowering in the shadows, let’s embrace the spirit of the season in a more heartwarming way. In a delicious way. And to be honest, it is a little bit scary cause it vegan and gluten-free. I know, sheer yikes!

Indulge in the holiday sweetness: Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze.

Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze

To keep the Halloween spirit alive without the frights, I’ve got a special treat for ya - a recipe for gluten-free, vegan-friendly pumpkin cookies with a drizzle of maple glaze. Shocking as it might sound, these cookies are delicious and nut-free too!

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup Gluten-free baking mix
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 flax egg (mix 1 tbsp ground flax seed with 2 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Maple Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy milk

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl, adjusting the glaze by adding a bit more powdered sugar or milk if necessary to obtain your desired consistency. I drizzled the glaze on top but you could also opt for dipping the cookies in the glaze if you prefer.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine the flour mix, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, mix the brown sugar, flax egg mixture, pumpkin puree, coconut oil, and the fresh grated ginger until all ingredients are well blended.
4. Then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine until everything is thoroughly mixed. This batter is on the wetter side and definitely feels more like a batter than a cookie "dough". If you feel suspicious about the dough running while baking, slowly incorporate a bit more of the gluten-free flour mix.
5. Next, scoop small spoonfuls onto a parchment line baking sheet and then place in the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 16 minutes or until the tops turn lightly golden and begin to crack.
6. Let cool on the pan before glazing so the drizzle doesn't melt off.
7. Drizzle the maple glaze back and forth over the cookies and let the glaze set before transferring to a rack or platter.

This Halloween, I’m all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, sharing delicious treats, and spending quality time with a good friend or two. We don’t have to be fans of being scared to enjoy the spirit of the season. So, whether you choose to cozy up with a good book, have a movie night with friends, or even just enjoy the sweet comforts of home, there are countless ways to make Halloween your own.

Embrace the warmth of the season, and remember, it’s perfectly okay if Halloween isn’t your favorite holiday. There’s sweetness in the shadows with these gluten-free, vegan pumpkin cookies!

Recent Highs In Flour and Wood

I made this bread….

Hand carved wooden spoon.

And sold this spoon!

I’m leaning into a season of making. I have a lot of spoon work coming up and I’m trying my best to just enjoy the art of the practice. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to just sit with my crafts. I forget the luxury of what it means to “make time to take time.” But, with so many spoon carving classes on the horizon, I have nothing but gratitude for everything that’s in store. And when anxiety strikes and I’m feeling overwhelmed with sourcing knives, and cutting blanks, I switch to making breads where my hands can stay active but my mind can rest. So, basically, stay tuned for more post about both. Breads and spoons, breads and spoons…

You can click here if you want to get in on some spoon carving in Sebring, FL. Or if a quiet day at home is more your speed, please enjoy the bread recipe below:

Recipe

Soaker:

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 tbsp plain yogurt

Dough:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 1/4 tsp yeast

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tbsp molasses

Process:

1. Combine the soaking ingredients in a large bowl and let rest for 2 to 8 hours.

2. After resting, add the additional ingredients to make the dough.

3. Mix it well so the dough starts to form and then knead it until it’s springy (10 minutes-ish? and you might use up to another cup of flour while kneading.)

4. Cover and rest for 1 hour in a clean bowl that’s been greased with oil.

5. After resting and the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead it again.

6. Shape the dough, and let rest another hour.

7. Preheat a dutch oven to 450F degrees.

8. Score the dough and carefully transfer it to the preheated dutch oven and bake for 25 minutes.

9. Remove the lid and reduce the temperature to 410F degrees and continue baking for 15 more minutes.

10. Carefully remove the bread from the oven and let cool before slicing.

11. Enjoy!

The value of a good soak: A bread story

Fun fact about me; I’ve never met a soak I didn’t like. Pools, spas, friend’s bath tubs… I live for anything resembling an immersion tank. I’m not joking. I will plan trips around where I can get my soak on, and occasionally have resorted to sneaking around town, just to sneak myself into a local hotel hot tub. Being up to my ears in water has a calming effect and the warmer the water, the better! Half the time I bring myself to the brink of fainting. I know that probably sounds extreme but ascending from a tank so utterly depleted, lends itself to some mad rest. Such lassitude is where the aches of life get a chance to heal and I can move about my days a bit softer and more forgiving. Well guess what? The same goes for bread making!

Equal parts flour and water soaking in a bowl.

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Recipe

Soaker:

• 1 cup flour

• 1 cup water

Dough:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 1/4 tsp yeast

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Process:

1. Combine the soaking ingredients in a large bowl and let rest for 2 to 8 hours.

2. After resting, add the additional ingredients to make the dough.

3. Mix it well so the dough starts to form and then knead it until it’s springy (10 minutes-ish?)

4. Cover and rest for 1 hour in a clean bowl that’s been greased with oil.

5. After resting and the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead it again.

6. Shape the dough, and let rest another hour.

7. Preheat a dutch oven to 450F degrees.

8. Score the dough and carefully transfer it to the preheated dutch oven and bake for 25 minutes.

9. Remove the lid and reduce the temperature to 410F degrees and continue baking for 15 more minutes.

10. Carefully remove the bread from the oven and let cool before slicing.

11. Enjoy!

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Bread baked from soaked flour.

So, soaked flour, soaked self… both produce good results. Give it a go and feel your way through the process. The dough will be light, and the crumb of the bread softer. Not a bad things really.

Bake on!

We Built A Backyard Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Lights are aglow thanks to a little backyard crafting. We built a wood fired pizza oven and it does not disappoint!

Pepperoni pizza cooked in the wood fired oven.

Long story short, we had a ton of leftover pavers hanging out on the side of the house. Rather than throw them out, we did a little googling and discovered there is a whole world of pizza enthusiasts building wood fired brick ovens in their backyards! And seeing as both my brother and I are obsessed with making dough, we took to the idea.

So, if anyone needs me, check the backyard cause I’ll be out here baking my little heart’s content.

Bread for the Home

Still got it!

I baked this loaf of bread yesterday. It was my first attempt at bread baking post elbow surgery. Did I use both hands to knead it? Not really… This is a one-handed wonder bread but still, it was good to see not all is lost!

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Recipe -ish

Dry Ingredients Combined:

• 2 cups flour

• 3/4 tsp yeast

• 3/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients Combined:

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1/4 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup warm water

Process:

1. Place all dry ingredients in a bowl.

2. Mix wet ingredients together and then add to the bowl.

3. Combine, form dough, knead…

4. Cover and rest for 1 hour.

5. Punch down, knead again, shape, and let rest another hour.

6. Preheat oven to 400F degrees.

7. Bake for 30ish minutes.

8. Enjoy!

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This loaf is on the small side cause I needed it to be manageable with one hand. Now, just imagine what you could bake with two!

So, go on…get dirty! Bake this and let me know what you think. You like-y?