My New Toy

This is the new toy/Christmas/Birthday present which I gave to me. It was a great deal at 30% off (Thank you, Jan, for friends and family night at Bed Bath and Beyond.) Then there was this great deal with a $50 rebate so I have no buyer's remorse for the purchase.

The first thing I tried to make with it was Divinity. I probably should have started with something simpler which I already knew how to make. The beast is too big to make small batches of anything. In order to get the egg whites to whip, I had to use my small hand mixer to start them. Then I could finish off the product with the big dude. The divinity was divine, but the process will need some work.

I made some brownies, cupcakes and other miscellaneous things throughout the holiday season, most of which turned out fine. I decided I was ready to graduate to bread making. The first batch of plain white bread turned out simply ok. Today I made Honey oat bread. With no artificial preservatives or other nasty stuff in it, I was quite pleased. Next time I'll add a bit more oil, but it is definitely something I'll make again. The great thing about making your own bread is that you can adjust the size of the loaves. I made a regular sized loaf and 4 small loaves like you get at those upscale, expensive restaurants. I may make them all the small size in the future, as they freeze nicely and when you warm them, the defrosting process makes it just like fresh bread warm from the oven. It doesn't give the house that comforting fresh baked bread scent however.