Go Ahead Dream

Sunday Saunters

There was a great question asked this past week, “As we age, do we dream more or less?”. My take on this was not so much the literal dream state of sleep, but rather do we still yearn and want for the higher aspirations and callings of our soul?

For me, this idea of dreaming is all about my ability to be creative. After all, a dream is a yearning and a thought put into action.

Another great example of an awesome perspective was a quote from my Instagram friend. “Rewire, not retire!” Gosh, I just loved that one when she wrote it! Thanks Kathleen!

How many times will we reinvent ourselves in one lifetime? Often, out of necessity, we are asked to meet ourselves with a new purpose and perspective. There is an opportunity in these times that urges growth and expansion, if we are willing to meet the challenge. The challenges don’t have to be daunting, difficult or stressful. One good solid step at a time in the direction of the goal is all it takes.

I have always been in awe of my cousin, Kathie. I’ve watched her move multiple times in her life, and she consistently shows wisdom, grace and compassion for herself and others during these times of transition. She has a wonderfully loving way of describing each new environment as “her next lily pad”.

Funny are the things that we think important to bring with us on our journeys. This is a cutting from my Brown Turkey Fig Tree that was planted in my backyard garden in California. I made certain that I had one strong cutting that was deeply rooted and ready to travel with me. The year before my move, the original tree knew that I was leaving. It was the only year that it didn’t produce in abundance. Let’s see what this little offshoot has in store for me!

One of the things I have been missing here in Las Vegas is a really good bread bakery. I have attempted, with mediocre success, to make homemade bread on two occasions. Both were so disappointing. Finally this morning, I made French Baguettes that outshone all my previous failures!

I used a method that required the bread dough to ferment overnight in the refrigerator and let me tell you, what an amazing chemistry experiment it was! Just take a look at these!

French Baguettes

You will need a perforated French Baguette Bread Pan and/or parchment paper, a bread lamé or sharp knife

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups room temperature water
• 2 teaspoons active yeast
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 scant tablespoon raw honey

Method:

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Put a tea towel over the wrapped bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Over a time frame of 1 1/2 hours, pull and stretch the dough 3 times. Flip the dough upside down after each set. This creates air pockets in the dough.

Cover the bowl again with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Place overnight in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. This will allow for a slow fermentation of the yeast.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface Divide into 4 rectangles, cover and allow to rest for about an hour.

Preheat the oven to 475F. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven. On the lower rack, place a pan filled with hot water, to add steam to the baking process.

Stretch each rectangle of dough and fold into a cylinder, sealing the seams on the bottom. Gently roll to the length of the baguette pan.

I used a perforated French Baguette Bread Pan lined with parchment paper. Place each cylinder of dough onto the bread pan lined with parchment. Cover and allow to proof an additional 30-60 minutes.

Using a bread lamé or sharp knife, make 3 long scores on each baguette.

Open the oven, using caution as the steam releases, slide the baguette pan into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove the water pan, reduce the heat to 450F, rotate the pan and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the baguettes are a deep golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool.

Buon Appetito

As always, I love to share my favorite artisans and things that make me happy. I finally received my new glasses from Vint&York @vintandyork YIPPEE! I can see again. The leather cuff bracelet is from Juanita @jbleathercrafter on Instagram. She is a self taught leather artist and a beautiful soul in this world! The cat’s eye and moonstone ring is from Andrea @serrahna on Instagram. Andrea is a very colorful and creative woman. She is the visionary behind her boutique Serrahna in Oakland, California. Take a look and give them a follow. Inspiration comes from many different sources!

“Let the Beauty of what you Love, be what you Do!”—Rumi