What I’ve Baked Since Adopting a Puppy
Hello all,
It has been a whirlwind here since the beginning of October! I’ve adopted a sweet chocolate lab who will turn 4 months in December. There have been many changes as this is my first dog I’ve ever had the pleasure to call my own. I can’t wait to see how she grows and changes over time! Her cuddles bring me so much joy.
One thing I’ve certainly adjusted is my baking! With a new puppy I have been mindful to maximize the time in which she is resting/ in her crate to get some baking done! As someone who has baked for quite awhile, I feel confident in my ability to monitor prep times and baking times to ensure my treats can be done while attending to the new pup! Here is some of what I’ve baked recently
Sandwich Bread: Lots of bread has been baked around here! I’ve used my Baker Bettie’s Better Baking Book to bake this bread at least 3-4 times! I love this recipe as most of the prep can be done when the pup is resting! Then, it is a quick 5 minute shaping of the bread! Once that is complete, the bread is ready to be proofed and baked! One tip I have is to always make sure the bread dough passes the “window pane” test after it is kneaded and before the first rise! The window pane test is when you can stretch a piece of dough so thin without tearing the piece of light can shine through it! This ensures you have developed enough gluten and is key to achieving a delicious final product!
Focaccia: I recently bought the book Savory Baking by Erin Jeanne McDowell. The focaccia is such a reward for such little hands off time! Now, I need to figure out which toppings my favorite Italian restaurant uses so I can top mine the same!
Saturday White Bread: This Saturday White Bread recipe makes a beautiful boule. The recipe is very forgiving and (sense a theme?) doesn’t require much hands on time! What a win!
Additionally, I’ve baked gingerbread on a quieter weeknight and a Chai Spiced Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving! Fitting in baking time has taken some planning and adjusting, however I can’t wait to continue to fulfill my passion while giving my new dog a beautiful life!
Happy Baking,
Mike
