I Can't Knead!

I, kind of, took a break from cooking for the early part of the summer. Papa John's has been most appreciative, but I think the kids have missed having the tasty goodness around.

Spending time in the kitchen is usually enjoyable for me. I've found that most "creative" people enjoy cooking and baking. Baking is a great short-term project—a "quick creative fix" if you will. Trying new recipes is always a treat and getting everyone's feedback is interesting. I use the same two question test that my sister-in-law uses with my little brother:

1. "Do you like it?"
To which everyone always politely replies, "Yes."

2. "Would you choose to eat it again."
Then the truth comes out and a recipe either lives on or dies right there.

I was so busy in June with sewing projects that I guess I didn't feel the need to fill that creative void. So I'm not sure why, but I was overcome by the need to bake over the weekend (because I have been sewing—A LOT.) Maybe it's because we've bought a share in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). So there is a bounty of fresh veggies from Singing Frog Farm in my kitchen. Or perhaps because my fresh herbs are flourishing beyond my deck.

I decided to try a new Fresh Herb Bread recipe using some of my very own basil, parsley and thyme. I swear I can smell them again just looking at the picture!

I had to use a few dried spices because I didn't have any sage or oregano. And it was really a cinch because I used my bread machine! (I must confess: I can't make bread any other way. Apparently I don't know how to knead. Perhaps it skips a generation, I don't know. I've tried, but my bread just doesn't rise.) I use the dough setting on my bread machine to do the mixing and rising and then just shape it, let it rise again and bake it in the oven. But look at this, no one would ever know! Enjoy!

Bread Machine Fresh Herb Bread

Time -Serves 12

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

3 cups Gold Medal® Harvest King® Better for Bread™ bread flour

2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 tablespoons dry milk

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

How to make it

1. Measure carefully, placing all ingredients in bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Select Basic/White cycle. Use Medium or Light crust color. Remove baked bread from pan and cool on wire rack.

July Merchant & Artist Walk

I really enjoyed showing everyone my fabrics and products at the Merchant & Artist Walk! Several supportive friends and family members stopped by to see what I've been up to. Plus I got to share my products with some wonderful, new people as well. Everyone was intrigued by the process and loved the vintage dress too! Teri Ann and the ladies were amazing hosts!

Several people even asked if I would be back next month—so I hope to see you all again on Friday, August 12! I'm not sure yet where I'll be set up, but I have lots of new ideas to share!

Here is my table and the behind-the-scenes crew.

Busy, busy, busy!

Whoa! I can't believe it has been a month since my last post. Now another holiday weekend is upon us. All I can say is that this summer has been busy, but in a good way.

I've done some solo antique shopping in Lewisburg, WV and found some gorgeous, vintage fabrics and antique sewing notions to bring home. Mom and I took the little ladies to a huge quilt show in Columbus organized by the National Quilting Association. And I've had several weekend getaways to step away from my sewing machine and gain a little perspective while getting some much needed sunshine with my crew.

So, I've got loads of inspiration and so many project ideas in my head. But I've also managed quite a bit of time in my studio as well because I have a DEADLINE!

I'll be sharing some of my fabric designs and latest projects for Marietta's Merchant and Artist Walk on Friday, July 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. Teri Ann's at 290 Front Street has graciously offered to host my work for the evening. The ladies at Teri Ann's are incredible, so I'm excited just to spend some time with them amongst their closet of luxe ladies' wear. But I am anxious to get some feedback on the fabrics, dresses and the "Arrow-Fold" napkins I've designed.

Here is a sneak peek of one thing I'll be bringing that night. I whipped up some fabric flower pins out of the Honeysuckle Rose fabric. I'll have a few things for sale, so please stop by to say hello—I'd love to hear your ideas on ways to use custom fabric!