Winter and Rain Don't Mix

We've been hit with snow, then a big warm up, and now rain in just a matter of days. We've had some flooding in the area, and everything is a big pile of muck. Our yard has swamp-like qualities to it and stepping out into it proves to be a challenge. Walking to the car is even worse - a good place to lose a boot or shoe... I don't care for this time of the year. It's bleak and muddy. Spring is on its way, though, as Monday, we saw some red-winged blackbirds at the feeder. The promise that warmer weather is coming!!

The Log Cabin is at about 25% done now, and although it's coming along nicely, I ended up putting it aside. I ended up doing something to my right arm - I think it's a pinched nerve thing because it goes from my shoulder to my fingertips. It sure makes knitting painful. Actually, it makes most things painful, so I haven't been working much on anything - PC included. Typing and using the mouse is also not easy. So if this post ends up being a bit disjointed, please forgive me, as I have to stop and come back, so my train of thought is interrupted (more than normal! LOL) Anyhow, I've been letting my arm rest as much as possible, because I'm in a knitting race/competition soon, and I will need to be in top shape, because I have to knit faster than my competitor. oh well, however it turns out, it will still be fun :)

Groceries are going up, so we are only buying what's on sale and only what's really needed. We buy our wheat berries and many other products in bulk. I am going to need wheat soon, but can't get a price at this time. My supplier says that the prices are fluctuating so much, that she won't know what the price is until the days she orders. That doesn't make me want to walk in blind and place an order. I also buy Occident flour, which is an unbleached white that is supposed to be higher in gluten. Breads made from it raise much nicer than those made from normal unbleached white. I buy that at the mill along with my oatmeal. Oatmeal ran $13.90 for 25 pounds - which was cheaper than the flour per pound!! So, now I'm trying to add more oatmeal to our diet and cut back on the wheat products.

I'm trying out oatmeal bread recipes, and both of the following recipes are a hit here. Both recipes came from the Rec_food_recipes email list from wife228. If you want to subscribe to the list and receive recipes by email, click on the interactive tab at the top of the page.

Honey Oatmeal Bread

13 ounces warm water
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
3 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons powdered milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast)

Place ingredients in your bread machine in the order recommended for your machine. Set machine on basic bread, 2 pound loaf. For 1.5 pound loaf, reduce water to 10 ounces and flour to 2 1/3 cups; other ingredients remain the same.

Maple Oatmeal Bread

3/4 cup warm water, plus
2 tablespoons warm water
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
2 1/2 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Place ingredients in the order recommended for your bread maker. Select basic bread setting for 1-1/2 pound loaf. Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing and add 1-2 T flour or water if needed.

Enjoy!!