Probably my most  impromptu bread ever, partly because we were all out of flour. You can’t see the nice yellowy tint of the bread, but it really is lovely. This was actually the basic Artisan Bread in Five formula, doubled, which I made for pizza crusts last night.  I was going to substitute an equal volume of semolina to make up two cups.    But when the flour gave out, I added more than I had first intended to – there was EXACTLY enough to make the dough! I also added 4 tbsp sugar and about 1/4 cup of olive oil total, reducing the amount of water accordingly.  Oh, and I reduced the yeast to 2 Tbsp (that probably doesn’t sound “reduced” but if you double it properly, you use 3 Tbsp, which I couldn’t conscience).  It was a bit slow to start rising, but eventually doubled  nicely in about 3 hours. The pizzas were very nice, though with the oil, and probably too much sauce, the crusts were a bit soft.  After rising for about 10 hours ye...

Inspired by Tiffany at FrugalGourmetMom , I swiped this fantastic recipe for Pretzel Dogs that were a huge hit at tonight’s supper table.  Yes, it’s a bit of a spin on the “ bun-baked burgers ” that we already love.  But there’s a crunchy pretzel outside that is completely new and interesting. I used Tiffany’s recipe almost exactly, except I didn’t know how much yeast was in a packet (I used 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp), I upped the sugar JUST A BIT, and I used a few tbsp of oil instead of the margarine she recommends (for that small a quantity, I doubt it makes a difference in flavour or texture). Here’s the dough, in a bowl that really WAS clean, but there was some type of colourful oily residue in the bottom.   Rolled out into 12 strips.  Tiffany says 18”, but I couldn’t be bothered measuring.  See the hot dog eagerly awaiting its enrobing? With the 12 strips, I wrapped up 12 hot dogs – 5 big knackers, 7 regular beef dogs.  Whoops!  Forgot to take...