I was elated!

Two weeks ago, I received an email from "Andrews McMeel Publishing" asking if I would be interested to receive a book called "Bread Matters" by Andrew Whitley. Of course I said "yes" and gave them my shipping address. I was looking forward to receive the copy of the book from them. The good catch was that, I was not even obligated to mention this in my blog, wasn't that great?

I was elated when I got this in my mail this morning. The book is a new copy, with no pictures. The book has very good theory and explanation of the ingredients being used for breads. Accordingly, it's supposed to be suitable for homebakers, which is us! I shall read through this book in detail, try the recipe, and share to you soon.


My day is very fruitful today. Very very fruitful. I woke up very early in the morning and went to the gym to exercise. Came back to prepare my dough for my focaccia. Followed by shortcrust pastry, then ingredients for my muesli bars.

The focaccia dough was actually a failure. I added too much water and instead of dough, it became a BATTER! OMG! I wondered what would happen if I proceed to let it proof. Nevertheless, I refused to throw the batter into the bin. I continued with the steps as if it was dough, even though it was really really very wet and sticky.

Finally, I baked it in the oven without sprinkling some olive oil on top. I was already disappointed by the outcome, so didn't bothered too much about it before baking. Fortunately, the focaccia turned out to be alright. I've learned my lesson well this time!


My second bake, muesli bar didn't turn out well too! What happened to me today? Wobbling hands due to exercise? Ah...no excuse no excuse! I added too little butter and light corn syrup into the mixture, so it didn't blind well when I baked it. Actually, I like my muesli bars to be natural - less sugars and less fats. It was supposed to be healthy snacks right? So in the end, I broke them up into smaller bite size pieces and name it Granola Bites!


In the afternoon, I still managed a trip out to Tampines Giant to buy groceries and other household items. Came back to prepare dinner for the family. I made chicken pies using shortcrust pastry. Fortunately, the pies turned out to be good!



4 comments:

thecoffeesnob said...
October 11, 2009 at 10:53 PM

I have the same issue with granola bars. I try to use as little oil and honey as I can and usually end up getting bars that barely hold together!

Anyway I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book :)

Kitchen Corner said...
October 11, 2009 at 10:55 PM

Hi Jane,
The book must be very useful. Enjoy it and share some tips with us ok. I think the granola still goes well with fresh milk as well as the chicken pie looks very good country looking!!

Passionate About Baking said...
October 12, 2009 at 9:45 AM

Hi Laureen,
Oh, you had the same issue with granola bars too? Gee, thought I was the only one to cut "ingredients". Heehee... I'm so glad someone else understands! Sure, will go through the book and put up my reviews.

Hi Grace,
Oh yes, I intend to eat the granola bites with my plain yogurt. I think it will take good. Thanks for your compliment. But the pies weren't really quite well done I thought. Will give some tips from the book, if I can. ;)

thecoffeesnob said...
May 19, 2011 at 5:49 PM

I have the same issue with granola bars. I try to use as little oil and honey as I can and usually end up getting bars that barely hold together!

Anyway I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book :)

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