Challenging Pretzels are a Sweet (and Savory) Reward!

Matt H., South Bend, IN

Matt has been putting his sourdough starter, Hestia, to work once again. 

So this week Hestia was looking extra bubbly and excited to be baked with, so we got her out early to make something, even if we weren't sure what.

Eventually we decided to make our first pretzels out of sourdough. Making the dough was easy enough and the rise was quick for sourdough. However when it came time to fold the pretzels we realized we didn't know how. We looked it up and made our best attempts, but had at best 2 or 3 that had the classic shape. We blanched the pretzels in boiling water with baking soda and then let them drip dry before baking.

After baking the few that had the right shape they turned into yet another oddly shaped lump of dough. We seasoned them all with salt and a few with garlic. They may not look like pretty pretzels but they taste just as good.

I am pairing this post with a ebook that is available through the St. Joseph County Public Library, 

take a look at Amy Emberling's Zingerman's Bakehouse, 

"This is the must-have baking book for bakers of all skill levels. Since 1992, Michigan's renowned artisanal bakery, Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor, has fed a fan base across the United States and beyond with their chewy-sweet brownies and gingersnaps, famous sour cream coffee cake, and fragrant loaves of Jewish rye, challah, and sourdough. It's no wonder Zingerman's is a cultural and culinary institution. Now, for the first time, to celebrate their 25th anniversary, the Zingerman's bakers share 65 meticulously tested, carefully detailed recipes in an ebook featuring more than 50 photographs and bountiful illustrations. Behind-the-scenes stories of the business enrich this collection of best-of-kind, delicious recipes for every 'I can't believe I get to make this at home!' treat."

Beary Yummy!

Katie S., South Bend, IN

Katie and her family have been hard at work in the kitchen. They made this adorable (and delicious) little bready bear!

This reminds me of one of my favorite picture books, In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak in which Mickey, the main character wears a suit made of bread dough. Did you know you can listen to the audiobook version on Hoopla? It incorporates some jazz music and other surprising fun sound effects. I highly recommend. 

In the Night Kitchen (Audiobook)

Register with your SJCPL library card and you can enjoy In the Night Kitchen anytime.

"I'm not the milk, and the milk's not me!"

Granola-la-la!

Theresa H., South Bend, IN

My daughter and I are making lots of granola. Luckily, we have had most of the ingredients on hand and it didn’t require an extra trip to the store.We have two favorite recipes that we have been using, although we alter it slightly based on what is available in our pantry. These recipes are for people who like their granola on the sweet side!

Chocolate Granola Recipe

Chocolate Chip Granola Recipe

No Need To Be Sour, D'oh!

Matt H., South Bend, IN

Matt's baking competition continues with a sourdough sandwich bread. Look at that crumb! This is going to be a hard one to beat. 

Valiant Effort!

Matt H.'s Dad, Somewhere in Indiana

In response to his son's beautiful loaf that was posted on ________ Matt H.'s dad tried his own hand at it. This is a wonderful example of a "Quaranfail" which goes to show that many of our hobbies, activities, attempts at new challenges during this time staying at home, is more about the journey than the destination. Matt H.'s Dad has the ability to look at this with a sense of humor too, as he made the meme below to commemorate such an ambitious occassion (Matt's braided loaf can be seen in the upper left hand quadrant.) The folks here at the smART blox applaud Matt's Dad for his aspirations, bravery, and humor!