This week I decided to try to make
bread. As a child, I helped my mother make bread on a fairly regular
basis. I remember how that fresh baked bread smelled and tasted, still
warm from the oven. It didn't even need any butter! I also remember the
time it took to make it, mixing the dough, letting it rise, punching it
down, letting it rise again, kneading it, and finally baking it. So, I
procrastinated..
Then I heard of beer bread! Beer bread,
you say? I like bread and beer, so I looked it up. No yeast? Really? No
rising, no all day investment? This bread was for me! I found what
looked like an easy recipe, and decided to tackle it! 6 ingredients, all
of which I had on hand! I didn't want to use just any beer, and went
with a Pumpkin Ale.
Here is the recipe I used from Food.com.
I would definitely recommend it! I used the full 1/2 cup of butter, put
half in my pan
before I put in the dough, and half
on top. The bottom
crust was crispy,
almost like it was fried. Most of the
butter ran out onto my counter when
I toppled the bread onto the rack to
cool, so I
will definitely go with 1/4
cup next time.
My bread came out fantastic...
crunchy on the outside, and moist and
dense on the inside. I was so excited, I wanted to make another right
away! And, it only took a little over an hour to make! I think I'll use
and apple beer next time. Maybe I'll add some nuts, raisins and
cinnamon.... MMMM... Sounds yummy!
Let me know if you try this recipe, and how it comes out!
Thanks for reading!
Claudia
My daughter gave me a stack of silver plated serving trays. Although I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, I knew I could find a purpose. When I came across chalkboard paint, I knew this would be the first project I would do with these trays!
I have been thinking of getting some chalkboard paint. I see all these great projects that use it, and I couldn't wait to get started.
My tray had been sitting for a while, and really wasn't very silver anymore, so the first thing I did was clean it. I had sterling jewelry cleaner on hand, and used that. I am not sure if that is why it came out a little mottled looking, or if it was just the condition of the tray. Whatever... I think it adds character... It's gonna be a chalk board anyway. I left the handles black, for some more of that rustic look.
I used Rustoleum Black Chalk Board Paint, I also used whatever brush I had on hand. I had to do 3 coats to get decent coverage. I was trying to cover that great design on the bottom of the tray.
Coat One...
Coat Two...
Coat Three...
The directions on the paint said to wait 3 days, and "season". Wasn't sure what that meant, so I looked it up online. Once again, Google is my friend... It is not as difficult as it sounds. Just rub the entire surface with the side of a piece of chalk, and wipe it off. This keeps your writing from "grabbing".
All in all, I was very happy with the way the whole thing turned out. One thing I will do differently next time... I lost quite a few bristles from my brush in the paint, and didn't realize it until it was too late, and I had a lot of brushstrokes. I think I will use a small roller next time, it will work better. My tray was free, but I have seen these at the thrift stores for just a few dollars! I think it was a great project, and I am looking forward to making some as Christmas presents!
I absolutely loved the chalkboard paint! This project barely used very little paint. Hubby and I are already coming up with more projects to do with it.
I can't wait to my new chalkboard in my kitchen, and start using it for my grocery list!
I would also like to apologize for the quality of some of the photos... I like to craft, but mostly suck with the camera... I will work on it... I promise!
Thanks so much for reading my blog!
Happy Crafting!
Crafty Claudia
