How To Make Fast Rising Bread

I knew I was only going to have a couple of hours to make dinner, so I wanted to try a single-rise bread. Something I could do start-to-finish in about two hours instead of the usual three or four. I went looking for recipes and came across this page of general tips for making bread. Lots of good stuff there, but one thing I halfway disagree with. Each rise you give bread dough increases the flavor. So let it rise, punch it down, let it rise again, and you'll have more flavor than in a single … [Read more...]

Happy Valentine’s Day To Me

That right there is a stain-resistant, skid-proof, padded mat that Jenn got me for Valentine's Day. If I'm going to spend so much time in front of the stove, I should be a bit safer and more comfortable. She totally gets me. Hmm, I wonder if we can do the entire kitchen in those things ... … [Read more...]

How To Make Yogurt

I've got a quick one here from Larry, the Keep It Simple Engineer. He's the same guy who did the sourdough bread recipe. Today he shows how easy it is to make your own yogurt. Take it away, Larry. … [Read more...]

How To Make Coconut Macaroons

I'm going to just come right out and admit it: I don't like macaroons. I don't like coconut all that much, and I like almond extract even less. (But I love almonds ... go figure.) But it's not always all about what I want. My wife loves macaroons. I think it comes from fond childhood memories of the Girl Scout Samoas. But whatever the reason, I've chosen to overlook this obvious character flaw. That's why I agreed that, in honor of Valentine's Day, we'd go ahead and make them anyway. And … [Read more...]

How To Peel A Potato — with Maryanne!

Ginger or Maryanne? Duh, Maryanne of course! Gingham halters and short-shorts, what's not to like? Ahem. … [Read more...]