Cold Weather Comfort Foods

I received a gift card for “Barnes & Noble.”  With that card I purchased “Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day“. 

The authors’ promises of no kneading, no starter, no proofing yeast and no need for a bread machine is based on the concept of mixed and risen high-moisture dough stored in the fridge for up to two weeks (dough is cut into pieces and popped in the oven for fresh loaves as desired).

Today I made the European Peasant Bread and so far, the authors’ promises were right on.  It was absolutely delicious. The flours it contained were all-purpose white, rye, and wheat. I mixed it in my heavy duty stand mixer, (no kneading necessary) placed it in a tall plastic container, let it rise for 2 1/2 hours, refrigerated it and six hours later I had a little loaf of crusty goodness. It was just the right size for dinner. I only used 1/4 of the refrigerated dough. It will last up to 14 days in the refrigerator.

Peasant Bread

I wasn’t too happy with the quick chicken and rice soup I put together to go along with the bread. Although it tasted ok, it could have used some herbs such as basil. I did add some basil to the leftover soup. Tomorrow when I reheat it, I will reheat it slowly and hopefully the herb will meld with the soup and will taste better.

Quick Chicken and Rice Soup

I am off to make a hot cup of chocolate tea.  It has been really cold here the past few day and will get colder as the evening goes on into the weekend.  With the wind chill it will be in the teens.  Brrr!