Play Dough

While bread is definitely good to eat, it's also fun to play with on occasion.

This week my mentor began teaching me 'tricks' using extra dough we had. 

Here's one of the first I've learned: a simple 3-braid wreath. 

One thing to note - by way of the defect in my creation - is that it's important to retain a consistent tension when braiding.  Otherwise the circumference/diameter of the wreath is not consistent.

Still, not bad for a first time out.  This was made using baguette dough, and once cooled, I'll lacquer it and use it as a table centerpiece in my dining room.

A "Blue Moon" Day

By Larry Kilbourne

Sometimes when the stars align, the dough is perfect.  And then, in the words of my mentor Miguel, "when the dough is good, the oven is happy!"

Below, 5 oz. mini-baguettes made with a poolish.  There are few things in life I've experienced as pleasurable as a good bake.

I did say 'few' not 'no' . . . .

Stollen Moments (apology to Oliver Nelson)

By Larry Kilbourne

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis's rendition of Oliver Nelson's classic "Stolen Moments" on Trane Whistle is one of my favorites.  I'd put up the 'wall of sound' his big band's horns created on this classic with anything rock and roll ever aspired to.

That said, I had my own stollen moment over the holidays, and the result was very pleasing.  Akin to panettone, but without any of the latter's agonies in creation (hanging it upside down overnight after baking to keep it from collapsing, for instance).

The secret is a good, long marinating of the currants, raisins and apricots in lots of rum!

Keeps you in the Holiday spirit(s)!