What's Good! | January 8, 2017

What I'm Excited About This Week...

Read This - 

     I have not ever read a book quite like, The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, a story of two sisters in World War II France, and how each copes with their struggles in their own way. From the first chapter to the last, I was gripped by the plot and Hannah's brilliant tale of love, sacrifice and the human condition. The work leaves one wondering what you would do if faced with difficult, sometimes life-changing challenges, and to what extent one would go through to endure for what they believe is right. You will not be able to put it down!

Sip This - 

     Merlot is my favorite wine. It goes well with bread, chocolate, cheese, a fine meal, and a great movie. While I have tried a variety of reds from cheap to extravagant, Rodney Strong Merlot is always consistently loyal to my palate. With notes of berry, vanilla, chocolate and anise, this medium-bodied red wine is reasonably priced to enjoy with guests or kicked back in front of a winter fire on a Saturday night. 

Do This -  

     There is nothing quite like a rainy morning with a cup of warm tea latte and something hot and sweet from the oven. Take some time for a cozy time-out to welcome the sunrise with some vanilla madeleines and a cup of your favorite tea. 

Wear This - 

     Winter can be braved as long as I have my favorite cable--knit fishermen's turtleneck sweater. This one from Duluth Trading Co. is blended with wool and cashmere for softness and warmth.  A must for any winter capsule wardrobe!

Listen to This - 

    I am on the late freight with Raphael Gualazzi, and I honestly do not know how this jazz-blues musician slipped by my playlists. Totally surprised by his track, Sarò Sarai, from his album, "Reality and Fantasy" (2011), I tapped my foot and wiggled a dance while driving in my car one afternoon to his cool piano and bass background that supported his smooth, sexy voice singing in Italian. Yes, Italian jazz. I love it!

Watch This - 

     Finally, after a long wait for its return, Being Mary Jane will premier its 4th season on BET. Successful TV Reporter Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union) leaves Atlanta this season to accept a new position on a New York news show, while back at home, the rest of her family continues to deal with the backlash of her niece's police confrontation from Season 3. The first episode airs on Tuesday January 10th! I can't wait! 

And one last ...

Go See This! - 

    If you have not seen "Hidden Figures" yet, you have to go! This movie tells of the women behind the mathematics of the space program in the early 60's, many of them African Americans who worked in segregated conditions, yet were unstoppable in thier intelligence, grace and determination to rise to the top. Inspirational to women, girls, and anyone who aspires to achieve great things despite the circumstances. Must see! 

And that's What's Good this week!

Easy Dutch Oven Bread

I made bread today.

And it only took a few minutes of stirring and baking and waiting!

I purchased a Dutch oven from T.J. Maxx during the holidays. They had a variety of pots, tureens and baking dishes from LeCreuset and Cuisinart, both top of the line when it comes to dutch ovens, according to a review I read.

I have wanted a LeCreuset dutch oven for some time now; they are very expensive, so buying one turned out to be one of those "life goals". But sitting before me on the shelf were dutch ovens...marked down to a splurge rather than a total sacrifice.

Only problem was, they didn't have the color I liked. So, I purchased the red Cuisinart dutch oven after close inspection. It seemed of very good quality in comparison to the LeCreuset Dutch oven, with few differences; I decided that LeCreuset would have to wait.

I was excited to try out my new haul, so I went on to Pinterest to see what recipes I could create. Needless to say, there were several pins on making easy Dutch oven bread, many of them were the same exact recipe:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour (I used King Arthur Bread Flour)
• 2 teaspoons of kosher sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of yeast
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water

I decided to go for it! I followed one of the recipes using the exact directions. 

I mixed all of the dry ingredients together in my bowl, then I added the water. What I got was a doughy mixture. Food bloggers out there call it "shaggy". Once I finished, I didn't do anything else, but cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight...

 I actually let it sit well into the afternoon - the dough should sit for 8 - 24 hours. I went for the full 24 to give it a chance to expand...and it did! 

The next step was easy. I had to preheat my Dutch oven in the oven ( Do not preheat the lid, just the pot) at 450 degrees for 30 minutes. While the pot was heating, I lightly floured my hands and my board, and turned the dough out on to the surface. From there, I formed the dough into a ball. I didn't manipulate it too much. I simply rolled it around a little and formed a ball, and then covered it with plastic wrap and allowed it to rest. That's it. 

Once the Dutch oven was ready, I took it out (please be careful...this enameled cookware can get very hot! Use oven mitts and place it on a heat-proof surface), and lined it with parchment paper. Next, I put the ball of dough into the pot. 

 From there, I put the lid on and placed it in the oven for 30 minutes.  I had a cup of tea and waited...

...after the 30 minutes passed, I took the lid off and allowed the bread to bake for another 15 minutes. I wanted it to be nice and brown...

And it was! 

So easy. I was terribly excited that I could make bread this way. While I do enjoy creating bread using the more involved method, making easy dutch oven bread is great for when I want to have something impressive for guests, or a fast prep for a nice Sunday breakfast with family. We used some Welsh butter and strawberry jam with our slices, and it was delicious!

Look below for the complete recipe and full instructions! 

Do you have a Dutch oven? If so, what kind? What are some recipes that you make with your Dutch oven? Try making this bread and come back to share your experience! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour (I used King Arthur Bread Flour)
• 2 teaspoons of kosher sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of yeast
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED:     

wooden spoon, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, large bowl, Dutch oven

DIRECTIONS:

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl until blended. Add water and stir with a wooden spoon until mixture is soft and shaggy. Do not over-mix. 

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 8-24 hours. The dough will expand and you will see pockets of air...you may even hear sounds!

Once the dough has risen, preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to warm the Dutch oven. Place the pot of the Dutch oven inside and allow it to heat for 30 minutes. DO NOT put the lid in there...I've read some articles that say it is okay to place the lid and the pot in the oven, but DON'T DO IT. My knob cracked and I had to order a replacement (from LeCreuset...oh the irony!).

In the meantime, while the pot is heating, turn the dough out of the bowl onto a floured surface. Flour your hands, and gently roll the dough into a ball. There is no need to punch or knead the dough, just form it into a ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest. 

After 30 minutes, the Dutch oven should be ready. Remove it from the oven CAREFULLY, and line it with parchment paper. 

With floured hands, place the ball of dough into the Dutch oven.

Place the lid on the Dutch oven and return it to the oven to bake for 30 minutes. 

After 30 minutes, remove the lid and let the bread bake for 7-15 minutes or until golden brown. It is important to watch the bread at this point to achieve desired results. 

Remove bread from the oven, place it on a cooling rack, or slice it while it's hot! At this point, the choice is yours as far as how you will enjoy it; with jam and butter, wine and cheese, dipped in hot chocolate...the key is to celebrate your creation!