Italian Rustic Herb Bread

December 27, 2011 by Monica in Baking, Bread, Events, Holiday

I’m a bread snob. Just like I’m picky about the type of chocolate I eat (the dark kind) I picky about the bread that I use to make my sandwiches.

My preferences always turn to anything that has a crust that is darker brown and a creamy inside. If it’s right out of the oven, it’s a bite of heaven - especially, if it’s use to carry things like a good piece of cheese, salami or my all time weakness – Prosciutto.

Whoever eats prosciutto in soft sandwich bread should be shot in the spot. (I seen it and I have died a little too).

You may think I’m talking specifically about French bread. And while I adore French bread, this is not the only type of artisan bread that I love. Give me a good Ciabatta or a round crusty sourdough and I’m a happy camper.

So when I was planning our Christmas day meal and my mother offered to bring a selection of cure meats and cheeses to munch on while we waited for the Paella, I jumped at the chance to offer to make the bread for it.

Caramel Glazed Spice Apple Walnut Bread

November 22, 2011 by Monica in Baking, Bread, Fruit

In about 48 hours, Tom and I will be flying over the east coast on our way to meet up with our friends in NYC, to then pile up in a car and drive 2 hours north towards the Catskill region.

We have rented a farmhouse.

In the middle of nowhere!

We have all the Thanksgiving ingredients bought and menu printed and planned.

The goal of the trip is to connect with friends, give thanks over and over again for everything we have and eat huge amounts of food until we cry uncle. In between all this I can guarantee there will be lost of laughs, catch ups stories and in between lots of naps, reading, hikes and the opportunity to lose ourselves in the perfect environment to catch our breath before we get back to our lives the following week.

Because, December is knocking on our doors and its looking like a doozy.

Tarte au Sucre [Sugar tart]

September 05, 2011 by Monica in Baking, Bread, Desserts, Pie, Tarts, Yeast

For the past 3 days I have been hooked to my computer.

As a junkie is to his drug of choice.

I have discovered the wonderful world of my Netflix “Watch instantly” option.

I have discovered MadMan.

I’m now an official Draper fan.

I cannot get enough of all those chain-smoking characters.

I watched season 1 and 2 and some of 3 in one sitting.

Tom was worried that my eyes were going to fall off.