Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (April 6, 2009)...

Outside my window... BRRRRR! Chilly winds, gray skies and the threat of snow! Winter is throwing us a last hurrah!

I am thinking...of how Great and Wonderful of a Savior I serve.

I am thankful for...a supportive husband.

From the learning rooms...putting together a new apron.

From the kitchen...Chicken Tortilla Soup, Honey White Bread, Parmesan-Garlic crackers, Cheddar Crust Apple Pie, Dark Chocolate Cherry Muffins - can you tell I am in a baking mood? Later this week Smokey Corn Chowder.

I am wearing... a yellow nightgown and my old fuzzy, warm plaid houserobe.

I am creating...a surprise "just because" package for a friend.

I am going...to venture out to the stores after a bit, must have some fresh cilantro.

I am reading...the book of Job. The Hidden Art of Homemaking. Bedford Square.

I am hoping...that I can get everything done for my garage sale on the 18th.

I am hearing...my little ceramic heater givin' me some love!

Around the house...laundry, clean the bathroom.

One of my favorite things... is to get up early, before Honey, and just meditate on the Lord as I do my early morning tasks. Just to feel that closeness and peace!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today I am off, so baking extravaganza. Tomorrow thru Friday - work. Then Saturday we are having our Easter dinner as everyone is otherwise occupied Sunday, so I will be making chocolate chip cheesecake, coconut creme pie, deviled eggs and probably broccoli-rice casserole. Squeeze in a library run and I will also be working on tagging things in the garage.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Some more pretty flowers from last year





Got Daybook?

Ok, here is a recipe for all of you bakers out there.

Honey White Bread

This is a soft, delicious loaf that keeps well.

1-1/4 cups warm milk - I test mine on my wrist, it needs to be at or just below body temperature
1-1/2 tablespoons honey
1-1/2 tablespoons butter flavor Crisco
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups bread flour
1-1/2 teaspoons dry yeast

Place ingredients in breadmaker in the order specified by your machine. Push start button. Wait about 3 hours and voila - fresh bread! I usually just use my dough cycle and then take it out, put in a greased bread pan, let rise a bit longer and pop it in a 350 degree oven and bake it. I'll post a picture later!