Hello! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend so far. I know we are... and today I'm so thankful for all those who have served for our freedom and my heart goes out to any that have lost a loved one.
Saturday we had a day packed from beginning to end, but first thing on the agenda was preparing a meal for company that evening. Jillian and I were out in the garden at 6:30 (in our pajamas, of course!) picking squash and herbs for the cooking and baking to be done. There really is something wonderful about starting your day outside...
Jillian has become so familiar with the herbs I can actually be cooking in the kitchen and ask her to run out to the garden for something specific. She loves that.
Everything on the menu but the dessert called for a fresh herb. (smile) I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to try a new recipe for fresh herb french bread. Two times in one week... I guess I was on a roll! ;-)
Rising bread never fails to make me happy. It took me an embarrassing long time to conquer homemade bread... I had many failures before a success. I think it is truly a labor of love... it's more than just following a recipe... so much of it is learning the way it should feel and look.
This bread was absolutely wonderful and so flavorful. There just wasn't any way I could wait until the evening meal before sampling it.
Do you enjoy making bread? Try it some day... it's worth the effort, I promise!
Note: This herb french bread recipe came from the The Romantic Prairie Cookbook
Happy Memorial Day to you and your family! I make my own bread but rustic no-knead type as my arthritis makes it hard to knead bread sometimes. But yours looked so beautiful and I wish you would have included the recipe! I'll just make mine and throw some herbs in as I never think of that but I'll look into that cookbook too. I need another cookbook like I need a hole in my head but I do enjoy them! Hope your dinner was a success. What did you have? I miss being able to run out in the morning in pj's. I live in a neighborhood now but still hoping to get an acreage again. TTYL!
ReplyDeleteOh! Your garden is so lush! Here in my part of Ontario, gardens are just being planted now. My seeds went in yesterday and by August my garden will match yours today!!
ReplyDeleteThat bread looks marvellous. I love baking bread but now that my hubby is gluten-free and I am on a less-carbs eating plan, the thought of fresh baked bread would put us over the edge. But maybe this weekend....just as a treat...mmmmmm....
I spotted your Pyrex in a photo-you really do use them everyday! So cool! To be honest, I have NEVER made bread before. I may just try it..I bet it makes the house smell incredible.
ReplyDeleteI have never made or attempted to make bread before and I have no idea why. Maybe I thought it was too hard to make? Yours looks so yummy though.
ReplyDeleteYou're speaking my language! Freshly baked bread and herbs. When my children were young, I would bake bread while they were at school. Whole wheat bread.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Your little girl looks so darling wearing her pjs in the garden. How remarkable that she can distinguish between different herbs. Your herb bread looks fantastic! Mastering bread making is on my list of things to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I just love your garden and am so impressed that you grow and use your herbs and make bread. I have done it in the past but it was soooo long ago. I do so love fresh baked bread. It's one of those "simple" pleasures that makes a heart sing. Thanks for reminding me. I think I will have to make an attempt again. PS: Thanks for your lovely comment on my Rascal Rehab and his faucet pulls. I appreciated your encouraging words.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Your garden is gorgeous! I love homemade bread. I've never made any with herbs. That's something I'm definitely going to try. Yours looks so delish!
ReplyDeleteyummy...I love, love bread. I dont know how people can do the no carbs diet. I wouldn't last half a day :) I must try this like soon!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe how much your garden has grown. It looks amazing! I really need to grow herbs! You are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteblessings,
karianne
There really isn't much better than fresh garden herbs and freshly baked herb bread! Yummo! Thank you so much for linking this up to our party.
ReplyDeleteKarah @ thespacebetweenblog
Your garden looks awesome already. Here in the Midwest we are much in need of rain. How fun for your daughter to be such a "little helper". Again, your pictures soften my heart. I have great memories of my daughters and niece sitting in the garden, picking, playing, and especially the year we planted giant pumpkins. Your bread looks amazing. I have never tried baking homemade bread other than making small loaves in my breadmaker. Still Yummy! Thanks again for your beautiful blog and sharing. You are a new blog neighbor. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYour herb bread is making my mouth water ... and I adore the fact that your daughter recognizes the various herbs! A perfect and adorable little helper ...
ReplyDelete... so happy that you linked up to our party!
:)
Linda
I have tried to make sourdough and it is a 3 day epic event that has led me to ask for a breadmaker for my birthday this year! I love the savoury breads, and herbs straight from your garden can't beat that. I'm very jealous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my red headboard. LOVE your blog. The photos and your home and gorgeous... and this bread- to die for!! I am your newest follower and cant wait to see whats next.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, lush garden. I love the smell of bread baking. It makes the entire home feel welcoming. I'm not a bread baker, but my grandmother was. She lived with us when I was a young child, and I have fond memories of watching the bread making process. Then I married a man who loves to cook and bake. ;-) Makes me think we need some fresh bread in the house.
ReplyDeletesimply wonderful! i can smell the delicate aroma of the bread baking now!!! thank you so much for sharing with us at mission possible linky party! hugs...
ReplyDeleteMaking bread is a favorite chore of mine! I love how I've done it enough now that I can tell by sight and feel if the dough is "just right." Your bread looks delicious, especially with the addition of herbs, and your garden is spectacular! I planted most everything by seed this year, but next year I'm definitely starting things early and inside.
ReplyDeleteI started a Herb garden this year, I love it. We had Rosemary chicken a few weeks ago, delicious. Your bread looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteHello Andrea, so nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteI've just found your blog and I have to say it is sooo nice. I will follow you.
I live in the country (well, mountain/country) in Northern Italy and we are trying and loving to lead a simpler yet beautiful life, just like you and your beautiful family.
I see you have hay mulching there in the garden...we are doing that for the first time this year, is it really valid against weeds?
Francesca