My Bread Machine

For my birthday, my parents got me a Oster bread machine. I have never made bread nor have I ever really even thought about bread... it comes in a bag from the grocery store, right?!

Making bread has been an interesting process. Before I got the machine, I tried to make it by hand. I just wanted some yeast rolls, like from Golden Corral, because they are my favorite. Well first time around I killed the yeast because I had no idea what yeast really was. So second time, I didn't even activate it. I had several failed attempts and then I gave up until I got my machine. It heats it to the perfect temperature! I know I should probably learn to do it by hand in case of emergency but I'm being lazy right now. Plus, I can make more bread this way!

My bread machine has a lot of options, I prefer the dough making option so I can shape it and make it the way I want but I will use the cooking feature if I just want a loaf or I'm busy.

I have made an Italian Bread. It goes perfect with my Italian dishes!

I finally made my Dinner Rolls. They were everything I hoped they would be.

I make Honey Wheat Sandwich Rolls for my husband's lunches.
(totally just realized I never took a picture... next time I make it I will update and add one)

Then I wanted to change up his lunch sandwiches, so I made a Sweet Sub-Style Sandwich Bread.

I just needed a loaf of bread for Jackson's lunches, so I found this Honey Wheat Bread Loaf. It was fabulous and he loved it!

I've had a blast with this so I went to the Library and checked out a few books. I got The Bread Bible, which has taught me a lot of particulars of how bread works and rises, and how the conditions of the rising and preparing create the flavor and consistency. Its very interesting.

I also checked out a book on Pies, because my husband requested more pies in the house, so I will write on those soon!

Sauteed Aspargus

So I've never really done a whole lot with fresh vegetables before this summer... a little embarrassing I know but I was a little intimidated by them plus I always thought that can vegetables were fine. But this summer, I got started buying some fresh veggies and playing with them. Now I'm not sure if I can eat can vegetables anymore... I've been spoiled!

My absolute favorite right now is Asparagus! I never really had them before and when I did they were canned and I DID NOT like them! I originally steamed them and they were wonderful but someone suggested I saute them, so I went recipe hunting. I found a few that didn't quite work, so I ended up using the recipes as a guide and made a more simple version.

Ingredients:
1 bunch fresh asparagus
3 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

1. Wash and Trim the asparagus

2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and asparagus
4. Cover and cook for 5 minutes; stirring occasionally (This will make them crisp and tender, any longer on the skillet and they become mushy)

5. Serve and Enjoy!! I personally at a touch of sea salt.

Tab Top Curtains

I found an idea for some Tab Top Curtains for my boys' room as mentioned in Pajama Pants. I have now completed 2 of 4 curtains and want to share because I'm very excited! I don't know if I will take up making curtains for a living... its not nearly as much fun as making clothes and accessories but its definitely been nice to have a little creative liberty with my color schemes! These curtains are for my boys' room! The last 2 curtains are prepped, I just need to get some more lining and then put them together... I'm having motivation and time issues.

I personally did this a little differently than the tutorial. I actually had one set of curtains already but I needed 4 to cover all the windows. 

• I bought some solid blue fabric to match the striped curtains I already had. 
• I pulled out the seams on the striped curtains and cut it down the middle. 
• I used the pre-made curtain to measure out and cut the blue fabric. I also used it for my seam and tab measurements.
• Next I sew the blue and the striped fabric together in the middle (it doesn't have to be pretty because its inside the lining, but make sure its secure)
• I cut the lining to fit inside the seams of the curtain.
• Then I  pinned the seams down on top of the lining and also pinned the top tabs into place.
• From then on it was just a whole lot of sewing! (Make sure to use a larger needle because the fabric is thick and you will break needles if they are too small)

After I complete the last 2 curtains, I have to begin some baby shower gifts because it seems everyone is having babies in the next few months!
Then, Jackson has requested a Max Costume ("Where the Wild Things are"), So I will probably start that first of October! Its his favorite book of all time, so he is pretty excited and won't stop asking me when he gets to wear it...