Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A Quick Recipe Review and Some Bread Excitement *or* What We Had for Dinner Last Night

No crafting going on around here this weekend. It's sad, but it's just not happening lately. Too tired. I did, however, get into the kitchen a bit, and you know I love a good recipe review, so here goes. This bread is exciting to me right now. I've made it a few times before, and it's always delicious, but I've never been able to get the texture right. The original recipe calls for it to be baked in one loaf and I've never been able to get it quite cooked through. So last night I tried again, only I made it into two loaves this time. Voila! Perfection. I'm so excited--the whole family loved it. I'll be making this bread a lot more now. It's super quick and easy--just right for my busy life.
And this is the "Lighter Chicken Salad" from the current issue of Everyday Food (June 2008). It turned out pretty good! I must admit, at first I was hoping for more of a "heavier" chicken salad flavor, but then I didn't. I made a few modifications: no celery, because we were out, and I used less hot sauce than called for, and I just eyeballed the onion and parsley, using less than what was originally called for. What I loved about this dinner was I could get everything done ahead of time. I was working with little Rainer alternately in the sling/in the Learning Tower while Dieter took an incredibly long nap. Then when it was time for dinner the bread was cooled and ready and the salad was chilled and ready for its lettuce cups.

Ken and Rainer are off to the hospital today for some much needed platelets for Rainer. Little guy is all bruised. He'll get chemo too. I wish I could go, but I need to be at work today --bummer. I'll go next week. And meanwhile, it's a short week, which is always welcome. Happy Tuesday!

8 comments:

Jessica said...

I have had many "just not quite right" bread experiences. Your bread looks delicous! I'll have to try the recipe in two loaf pans and see what happens- maybe you found the secret!

ames said...

Mighty fine lookin' meal, and the bread looks heavenly!

Laura said...

That bread looks fabulous! I wish I could reach through the screen and have a nice, warm piece with butter!

Thoughts and prayers for Rainer today...

melissa s. said...

Everything looks delicious, and I'm jealously eyeing those strawberries. Hugs to little Rainer today!

crunchy peas said...

I was checking that chicken salad out in the new issue. Looked pretty yummy to me too. Guess I'll have to try it now!

Hang in there Rainer (and mommy) you guys are tough cookies! Wish I were close enough to give you both a hug.

Esther said...

Two loaf tins is a great idea. I could eat bread and butter all day... especially when it looks as it does in your photo.

Hope all goes well for your little boy.

Rachel said...

Mmmm, that bread looks delicious.
Happy thoughts for Rainer.x

Suzanne said...

OOh, can I come for dinner, everything looks delish! Praying your baby will do well today:-)