more-with-less

This blog post is sponsored in part by my friend, Irene, who gave my husband and I a gift card to Ten Thousand Villages four and half years ago. Yes, it was a wedding present... that was just recently used. (How many people go without spending their gift cards? I can't be the only one.)

 

My husband had been carrying around this gift card for a long time. Maybe we hoped that we'd stumble across a Ten Thousand Villages store and be able to use it? A few weeks ago, as I sat at the computer, he tossed the gift card on the table and said, "You should order something for yourself." My mind started to race through all the beautiful possibilities! (Ten Thousand Villages is an organization that sells handmade items by artisans from around the world. The artisans receive a fair price for their wares and are able to support their trade and their families. Also- everything is gorgeous! www.tenthousandvillages.com) Hmm... should I get some jewelry or a banana leaf basket or a scarf? As I began to wonder, I thought that even though all these things were beautiful, do I need another necklace or another scarf? I then remembered something I wanted for Christmas that I didn't get, the More-With-Less cookbook. (I also would like the Simply In Season cookbook if anyone would like to get that for me for my birthday; don't worry, you have until April. ...and then you may ask, "Do you need another cookbook?" The answer is, "Yes. Yes I do.")

 

I ordered the book and it came in the mail within a few days. I just ooo-ed and ahhh-ed at the recipes- the possibilities!

 

I made two recipes the other day- Basic Dry Cereal Formula (similar to a granola) and English Muffins. I've wanted to make English Muffins for a while now. They were the only bread related item that I'd buy (if they were on sale and if my husband was grocery shopping with me. He can't stick to a list; he is an impulsive shopper... and you shouldn't even think about taking him to Wegmans- the list and the budget go right out the window. I love you, babe, but you know I'm right about this.)

 

 

The muffins begin similarly to a basic bread dough recipe. You mix the ingredients, knead and let rise. After you let them rise, you roll out the dough, and use a biscuit cutter to make your muffins. Each muffin is dipped in cornmeal and then allowed to rise once more. When they have doubled in size, turn on your skillet and brown them on each side. To serve, split the muffin with a fork and toast.

 

 

My husband was gladly willing to taste test one... or two.

 

 

 

 

It was fun to try something new and they look just like English muffins from the store. I encourage you to try something you've never done like make a new bread or cook up something different for dinner. The recipe might be a keeper. <3