Bread Winner

We recently moved into our new temporary house which has a collection of treasures that belong to Granny D. including a Chefmate Breadmachine. The machine looked brand new, probably never used. I have been researching machines for some time and reading many blogs about home made breads and pizzas using a bread machine. I am glad I did not have to pay for an expensive machine. First, I began my baking experiment using the white bread recipe from the bread machine owner's manual and cookbook. The bread was perfect with our tomato basil soup from Jason's Deli at lunchtime. Next I went to the library to check out some bread machine cookbooks. I also looked online and learned that the Chefmate breadmachine is no longer available. My husband was curious if this product was defective and therfore discontinued. I found a 1-800 number and called because I also needed to know what size loaf my new machine made. The Chefmate was made by a Japanese company and is about 15 years old. When the companies contract ended in America, they moved back to Japan. No defects! The machine makes a 1 pound loaf. This is very important info since breadmachines now make 1 -1/2 and 2 pound loaves. Second, I made a yummy pizza for our family using fresh basil from my garden.

Third, I made some sweet bread and made a sandwhich for my sweety to take to work. Fourth bakery recipe, delicious rolls for my son. He loves them with butter.

I went to the half price bookstore and found The Ultimate Bread Machine Cookbook with recipes for a 1 pound loaf as well as the nutrition information.

I made another pizza and had 1 ball of dough leftover. I decided to freeze it. The dough only took one day to thaw and my husband and I have had enough cheese pizza in the last week!

My friend Kim suggested I make a dessert pizza. I searched online and found Pizza Hut Apple Pie Dessert Pizza (click here). I only used 1/2 a stick of butter, not a whole stick. I also left off the vanilla glaze, enough sugar is enough. I used Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Pie filling and chopped them up into bite size pieces. As it turns out, this is my favorite pizza! This recipe is a winner!

Lightening McQueen (Part 2)

Lightening McQueen (LM) was in a wreck today at Olive Garden. No one was hurt. Little Bumble and I took LM to Wal-mart for repairs. He got a new paint job and new front bumper. He is good as new, literally!

Garden Harvest Cake

1 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup peeled and grated tart apple

1/2 cup shredded zucchini

1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, preferably toasted

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup nonfat buttermilk

2 large eggs

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, soda, and salt in a large bowl. Stir with whisk. Add apple, carrots, zucchini and nuts. Toss. Combine oil, milk and eggs in a small bowl. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Spoon batter into prepared 8x4 inch loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan. Remove and cool completely before slicing.

This recipe is one of my family's favorites from my Cooking Light magazine. I am submitting this recipe in response to http://www.lifeasmom.com/ requesting recipes for the ULTIMATE RECIPE SWAP using flour, a common pantry item.

Lightening McQueen (Part 1)

In December, my friend let us borrow the DVD Cars. It did not take long for Little Bumble (and Daddy) to become hooked to this movie. While doing some Christmas shopping at HEB, I saw the Lightening McQueen toy car (LM) and bought it for Little Bumble (LB). Let's just say a friendship was born. At first he called him "Light the Queen." Now he says, " Li-mum mu Queen."

Little Bumble will NOT let go of his car. LM goes everywhere we go. LM now eats at the table with us. LB gives LM a bath and scrubs his belly. He takes LM to Tumble Bear class and parks him in the garage (his velcro pocket in his pants).

Today at the park, a boy larger than LB tried to take LM. Little Bumble got a small scratch on his nose but that boy did not get LM. Little Bumble's feelings were hurt. He was crying and holding on to me so tight. He did not want to play anymore so we left the park.

LM and LB are napping now.