Farmers don't get much bread from bread

People are often complaining about the cost of food at the grocery store. Just realize this, the extra cost put onto foods is a result of shipping and processing... off the farm to be processed into a usable product (for example: flour).... to a processing plant to be made into pasta, cookies, bread etc.... then back again to the store for sale. Everyone in that chain has their hand out waiting to get paid. The extra costs at the store just whittle down to people are looking to buy already processed food. If you prefer to have someone else produce the product that you buy at the store, then expect to pay to have them do so.

I found myself complaining as well and decided to make a change. I only buy fresh products at the store, not frozen or canned. Turns out, there is a flour mill locally and for the cost of 4 loaves of bread, I can buy a 10 lb bag of flour... and make my own. Fresh baking is a lost art and I would encourage anyone that has a kitchen to use it! Many kitchens today are just the "show piece of the home". Why not make it the "heart of the home" once again. Use your kitchen for what it was intended. What a way to get closer to your family by cooking together! Share the responsibilities... and the bounty!

Farmers don't get much bread from bread

What am I thinking? On Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve 2010

I can't believe that I am still baking for Christmas.  The first batch my husband ate and the second, well I gave that all away in care packages for the family.  They enjoy it as do I!

This mornings tasks.. yet another batch of shortbreads, pumpkins pies and a "Low Fat" Lemon Cheesecake for those of us that can't (or shouldn't) have the others! I know.. at this time of the year it is hard not to partake and enjoy.


Here is my Grandmothers Melting Shortbread recipe.

 3 cups flour
 1 cup icing sugar
 1/2 cup corn starch
 1 lb. butter
 1 tsp  Watkins Vanilla

Cream butter and icing sugar. Add Watkins Vanilla.  Sift together flour and corn starch. Mix into butter mixture.  Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Flatten with a fork dipped in icing sugar to prevent sticking. Put in a 300 deg. pre.-heated oven for 15 min.  Cookies are ready when the bottoms are lightly browned yet the top is still white.

For something different, roll cookie balls in sugar and Watkins Cinnamon and place on cookie sheet without flattening. Or, dip finished cookies in dark chocolate.  Or, roll dough into a log and cover with chopped nuts. Slice into 1/4 inch slices and bake.  The possibilities are endless.

Enjoy!