Surprise of Spring

Today as I started out on my usual morning walk, I was feeling weary of the cold, drizzly, dark days. Just as I was thinking it was never going to end, and spring was still a long way off, I was literally smacked in the face by a low branch on a tree. Guess what was there on that branch? Several small pink flowers just opening up. It was an announcement: Spring is just around the corner! I was so amazed. It's only January 16 and already I'm seeing signs of spring. I love the change of seasons. Each one has a certain delight and variety. But here in the Portland area, winter means mostly dark rainy days. I could wish for the snow of my childhood days in Minnesota but then again, if I lived in that northern state I would not be enjoying those early signs of spring like I did today. So after that run in with spring, the rest of my walk was a search for other signs. They were there: heather in bloom, daffodil spikes already several inches tall, buds on many plants starting to swell. Spring will burst out into song soon and I will be watching.

Trying to perfect my bread

I started making bread the first year we were married. So that means I have over 30 years of bread making experience. Now I don't make all our bread but I do bake a few loaves pretty much every week. My family's favorite is potato bread. I love any bread that has a crusty outside and a soft chewy inside. When I started baking bread back in the 70's my goal was to get really good at it. I don't think I've reached that level yet but most of my bread does turn out. Lately I've been trying to duplicate the kind of bread you get at Panera Bread. For those of you who have never been to Panera or don't have one in your area, I think it's my favorite place to get a wonderful lunch. Their soup is fabulous and so is the bread. It's crusty, chewy and soft -- just like I want my bread to be. So yesterday I spent some time reading about making bread that way. Then I practiced. The bread did have a good crisp crust and the inside was soft, but it still didn't quite make the grade. My family says they hope I just have to keep trying because they are loving sampling it all!