Welcome to the Kitchen!

This page is a continual work in progress. I'll gradually add more recipes and other useful hints. As with the rest of this site, we plan to use plenty of pictures so you'll know just what we're talking about. This may cause some pages to take a bit to load. Please be patient, it is worth it.

First up is breadmaking. With step by step photos! Don't worry....your arms won't fall off from kneading....if you have a Kitchenaid with a dough hook attachment!

Click here to go to the bread making page

Is bread making really worth it? Well I guess that depends on what you use bread for. If bread is merely the transportation for deli meats or pb&j then the $.99 loaf will work just fine. If bread is a significant nutritional part of your sandwich, adding another layer of flavor and texture to enjoy, then you're probably spending about $3 a loaf now. A few years ago I broke down the cost of all ingredients I use in a basic loaf of bread. It came to $.48 not including electricity to cook. Prices have gone up a bit since then....but still-- I'd say I'm at about $.65 worth of ingredients.

Making Butter

Let's keep that Kitchenaid working! Did you know you can use it to make butter too? Just swap the dough hook with the cookie dough attachment. Click here for a step by step guide!

Russian Tea Cakes

Have you ever had Russian Tea Cakes? They are the most perfect little things! They're great with coffee or tea, and are not too sweet, but sweet enough and good any time of the day! The next time I make them I'll take a photo to make you drool! For now, here's the recipe:

• 1 cup soft butter
• 1/2 cup sifted convectionary sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (I use almonds and walnuts)

In a large bowl mix the butter, sugar and vanilla. Mix the dry ingredients together then add to the wet ingredients. Chill for an hour or so.

Heat your oven to 400. While it's getting to temperature, roll the dough into 1" balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. (If your children like playdough....they'll love to help with this!)

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. While they're still warm, roll them in confectionary sugar. Let them cool, then roll them in the confectionary sugar again. This makes 3-4 dozen tasty little morsels!