{First of all…sorry about the lack of any posting this past week. We had a death in the family and my kids and I went out of town for the visitation and funeral. We’ve had some other tragic extended family stuff going on this past week as well… it has been kind of a crazy time.}
I was thinking today about what a great neighborhood we live in. Our block is filled with families young and old and our neighborhood is like one that I used to dream about living in. The kids all hang out together…riding bikes, playing games, playing catch. The parents all hang out together grilling hot dogs, drinking margaritas, catching up on the news, etc. We borrow eggs, we borrow tools, we borrow trucks. We have a great time together and I am thankful to have such wonderful families surrounding us.
I also like my neighbors because they never turn down baked goods. I like to bake a lot, if you haven’t figured that out already, and if I ate everything I baked I would be the size of my house. This is when my neighbors really come in handy. I know that I can always count on someone on our block taking something off my hands…making the caloric sacrifice for me.
Today I decided I was going to make one of my favorite mini-loaf bread recipes. I don’t make this recipe often because it is just too good. I am always tempted to scarf each little loaf down myself. This recipe makes 4 mini loaves of the softest most delicious bread. In my math challenged mind, I had two loaves to give to neighbors, one loaf for dinner and one loaf for my husband to take with him to work tomorrow. It would work out perfectly. I took the loaves out of the oven and called my first neighbor. After I hung up the phone I looked at my husband who was staring at me with fear in his eyes.
Him – “You aren’t giving away all the bread are you?”
Me – “Of course not… just two of the loaves.”
Him – “Two?? Can’t we just give away one? This is my favorite bread… I promise you I’ll take care of it so it won’t be tempting you.”
Me – “Seriously… do we need three loaves?”
Him – “Yes…we need three loaves.”
I can’t get in the way of a man and his needs. If it is as easy as leaving three loaves of bread here to keep my husband happy, I’m happy to oblige. Of course, his definition of “taking care of it” and my definition of “taking care of it” must be two different things because I have one lonely little mini loaf sitting on my counter tempting me to just snatch a nibble which would then turn into a hunk and then turn into nothing but a pile of crumbs left.
If you feel like sharing the love with your neighbors, give this simple bread machine recipe a try. Nothing says love like something homemade.
Ted's Special Mini Loaves
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Put all the dry ingredients into the Bread Machine.
- Add all the wet ingredients.
- Set Machine for 2 loaf size on dough cycle only.
- When cycle is completed make 4 balls and place into a buttered loaf pan side by side.
- Paint the bread with butter.
- Cover with cloth and allow to raise to double.
- Bake at 375°F (oven pre heated) for 35 minutes or until hollow when tapped.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
I made pies for school once and my husband hid two so I wouldn’t take them. Men and home cooking. lol
Well, win some, eat some…it takes years of fresh bread before you can let it really cool and give it away.
I’m your neighbor…just separated by a couple thousand miles. But, I bet the postman would eat the bread. Better not chance it. I’ll just have to make it myself.
So very sorry to hear about your loss. We lost my grandmother this week as well, so I can definitely sympathize. I hope you were able to enjoy time with family. Love the mini-loaves. I made bread yesterday…great therapy.
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences.
The addition of whipping cream is interesting.What type of yeast is it you have used –
here in the UK we use a fastbake powder yeast, is this the same please?
I am truly sorry about your loss and other tragic events. I am glad to see you holding up and posting again. I am sure getting back to baking can be therapeutic for you 🙂 xoxo, Jody
Kristen, it’s great to have you back – I’m so sorry for all the sad things that have happened!
You don’t have to say sorry Kristen.Take your time and take care of yourself first and blogging comes later.We will be here!:))
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Your bread looks wonderful. Baking is a wonderful thing to do to relax the mind.
I’ve missed your blogs, Kristen, but I’m glad that you are back safely. The bread looks delicious and I can’t blame your husband for wanting to keep three! Yum!
Sorry to hear about your loss Kristen.
My husband is exactly the same, he wants to give bread away and I don’t want him to, just because homemade bread is so great!
Kristen, I’m glad to see that you are posting again; I missed your posts!
That bread looks delicious! Your neighbors are so lucky! 🙂
Welcome back Kristen. My apologies for your loss. Bread baking was a good choice; I always find it therapeutic.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
That bread looks awesome, I can’t wait to try it.
So sorry to hear about your loss…my condolences to you and your family. I also find baking bread very therapeutic…makes my mind relax. Glad to see you back! And, oh boy, how I would love to be your neighbor 🙂
My sympathies to you and your family.
By the looks of it, your husband is right. You def need 3 loaves of that yummy bread.
i’m sorry to hear for your loss. i hope you and your family get through this together. and i’m glad you have such a caring neighborhood… that must make everything easier. lovely bread, although they should be making some for you!
Hi Kristen! We all understand – blogging is fun and an important hobby, but sometimes life just gets in the way. 🙂
Sorry for the loss in your family and extended family…
The bread looks delicious!!
Kirsten
Yeah, you had a rough week, my dear. Rough indeed, but it appears you took some much needed medicine in baking. That’s what I like to do.
So sorry about the family death. I do hope things are improving for you. Grief is a slow process. Don’t worry about a blog. Most important be kind to yourself and those you care for.