Lazy-day bread

Like lazy brunches, weekends are made for laze-around baking.

Not too tedious, not too fussy.

But tasty and smelling good.
Baking smells are one of the most amazing aromas on the planet.

They trigger people and faces, memories.
Nostalgia.
Family, friends.
A warm, snug heaven.

Good things.

My brother-in-law was roasting up a slab of really mouthwatering beef, and I thought some good ol' bread would be just the thing to go along.

Bread can be a little time-consuming to make. But choose the right recipe and you actually get to sneak in a few chores and bits to be done around the house while waiting for the yeast to work on the dough.

Not a bad deal.

There are a few ways to impart the needed air into your bread - kneeding, time or agitation.

This recipe from The Splendid Table is fairly fuss free, and you can play with flours, grains (whole grains are fantastic for fibre!) and flavors when you've tried it a couple of times and comfortable with how it behaves.

The early parts of the recipe takes a little patience, but really - it's an amazing science experiment in motion, watching the puff and fall of yeast working it's way through the pale dough.

And then it's finally time to slash the dough.

A strangely satisfying 10 seconds criss-crossing the pillowy softness to create escape for the mad hot steam as it bakes.

And this is why I make my own bread.

To crystallise the comfort and warmth of family, into something tangible, something to share.

Eat well, eat sensibly, eat with your friends and family.
Happiness guaranteed.

Live well and balanced:
> Honey Walnut Cake
> Whimsical yoga, balanced desserts
> Treats for 2015
> YOLO = granola
> Chocolate's like salad

Bringing on my Emmy bling

It's almost Emmy night, 2 day countdown!

Snacking while watching the Emmys:
> Chocolate Almond Sables
> Sesame Ginger Cupcakes, Ginger Crunch

So many things we love about the Emmys...

Predictable clockwork wins we saw from miles away, crazy audacious losses (McConaughey didn't win Lead Actor in a Miniseries??), remembering insane talents like Robin Williams.

And priceless gems making entertainment history - yes, that Ellen selfie, we're still talking about it.

Oh yeah....

Photo from The Hollywood Reporter

Not forgetting the best value-for-money hosts in Hollywood for the night who have to sing, dance, reel off scripted jokes to make sure the most glitteratti audience on the planet laughs loud and long.

And so much bling!

Gorgeous suits, flawless gowns, the most handsome people draped in bling, all gathered in one room.

I want to live that fabulous life too.

But since I'm not even remotely close to celeb-ship in this lifetime, I'll settle for bling desserts.

Gold and black.
Studded with more gold, dusted with gold flecks.

Sounds almost glitzy fabulous.

Good enough for me, I'll take that.

I'm warming up to gold recently, it's quite a sexy sheen.

Elegant in such an... elegant way.

I used to think gold was 'old'.

Guess I'm getting old, might as well embrace it.

Stay gold everyone, place your Emmy bets and let's hope Adam Sandberg nails it!

Celebrate, woot woot!
> Welcome, 2015
> Fairytale weddings
> A lovely elephant day

Indulgent desserts
> Chocolate indulgence
> Chocolate Pistachio Torte

More Cake Pops:
> Bicycle challenge, accepted!
> Pony pops

Teachers ought to get some thanks... actually, some really big thanks

If you've ever tried teaching kids (or even getting them to put on clothes), you'll know it takes Mother Teresa patience and a good head of hair on your shoulders - for literal pulling. 

Teachers deserve a Nobel prize. 

Seriously.

But since that's beyond sane discussion (and my limited baker means), let's focus our sights on something more achievable - Granola.

Say 'thanks' this Teachers' Day with heart-healthy Chocolate Granola! 

Full of nuts and seeds, and a little chocolate for good measure. 

Brain food should always be this yum, and appreciation should always taste this good.

Feed the brain, say thanks!