Focaccia

Focaccia is super yummy straight from the oven.  I'm salivating just thinking about it.  It is an easy bread because it only takes 1 rise and you can use a French bread dough to make it.

Coming Soon: French Bread Recipe

I'm currently developing a baguette recipe for myself.  I learned a bit about baguette at school and have made it 3 times now.  The difficult part is adjusting the recipe to work well in a home kitchen.  There are so many variables, ovens, room temperature, product brands, type of pans....and the list goes on... I also want to try to sneak some whole wheat flour into the equation.

This time around I learned that I'll need to make each loaf smaller to fit better in the pans.  I may want a hotter oven and more steam to develop a better crust.  Plus, I'll be trying out more several flours.
Here are a few pictures of my first try making baguette at home!

Saturday Lunch: Tomato Grilled Cheese

My family's classic Saturday lunch is grilled cheese.  So healthy, right?  No, but delicious.

So here is my slightly more gourmet version.  Emphasis on "slightly."

You'll Need:
- 1 large slice of "good" bread, I used sourdough
- 2-3 slices of white American cheese, or any kind you like
- 1 large slice of tomato
- 1/2 tablespoon margarine
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 dill pickle
- 1 skillet


First.


Cut your slice of bread in half and spread the margarine evenly over the sides that will make contact with the pan.

Second.


Layer 1 slice of cheese on the bread. Then, a slice of tomato and the rest of the cheese.

Third.


Put the vegetable oil in the skillet and heat it up over a medium flame.  Once it is hot, place the assembled sandwich, margarine side down, in the skillet.

Fourth.


While the first side is cooking, (1-2 minutes, depending on how hot your pan is) break out the dills and slice one thinly to top the sandwich.

Fifth.


Flip the sandwich and cook until the cheese is nice and melty and the bread is golden brown.

Sixth.


Take it out of the pan, add the pickles and eat it!

Fact of the Matter:  Simple recipes are my favorite.

It's What's for Lunch: Open Faced Toasted Sandwich

I'm really into these toasted open-faced sandwich things, ever since my sister started making them.  I mean I don't usually think of lunch as an exciting/good tasting meal, but this really is good!

You'll Need:
- 1 piece of bread (any variety, I use sourdough)
- grated Parmesan cheese
- a few cherry tomatoes, or 1 regular one
- sliced turkey, as much as you want
- dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- olive oil
- red wine vinegar (optional)
- toaster oven


First.


Get out your piece of bread and sprinkle it with Parmesan.

Second.


Get out your tomatoes and slice them.  Arrange them over the bread.

Third.


Add your seasoning.

Fourth.


Put on the turkey (or other lunch meat) and sprinkle with a bit more cheese.

Fifth.


Toast on 300 (F) for 5 minutes.

Sixth.


Put on a little olive oil, and/or red wine vinegar.  Consume.

Fact of the Matter: Every time I try to type "fifth" it comes out, "fifith"