Ciabatta for the BBA Group

This is the 7th bread from the Bread Baker’s Apprentice Group.  I have to confess, I skipped number 6.  I was just kind of sick of egg breads and it was Challah.  The family doesn’t seem to be fans either so I waited the week and dove into the ciabatta.

About the Bread Baker’s Apprentice Group: Nicole of Pinch my Salt sent out a twitter message saying “I need a challenge. Am thinking of baking my way through every single recipe in The Bread Baker's Apprentice. Anyone want to join me?” Well I jumped right in. Both feet, no thought at all. I think I was one of the first 5 that joined…did I even have the book? Nope but I ordered it that night!!!

The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread

We are now over 200 strong with members everywhere on the globe. It’s an incredibly enthusiastic group that wants to share like no group I have ever belonged to before. Awesome!

Our goal is to bake our way through Peter Reinhart’s The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread. An intimidating book at anytime but to think that you are going to be baking one of these recipes a week is slightly overwhelming to say the least. But I love a challenge and feel a real need to get out of my comfort zone. Oh yah, I bake all of our bread but I never seem to have the time or the desire to try something new and different. This will change all that!!!

Ciabatta

I followed Peter Reinhart’s recipe for the ciabatta using a poolish.  I left the poolish in the fridge for about 2 days to help the flavor develop and when I was ready to bake the bread I took the poolish out and left it at room temperature for a couple of hours.  I learned my lesson well from my brioche fail and I wanted that sucker at room temp!!!

I added the poolish to the flour, salt, yeast, and water and mixed it all together.  The recipe called for 6 Tablespoons – 3/4 cup of warmish water.  I swear I added all of that and then some just trying to get my dough really wet!!!  The flour was just sucking it right up.  I finally got to the point where I was afraid to add any more and figured it was just time to let it rest. 

This bread is fairly labor intensive and there is not much time that you can be away from it.  It’s not simply a 1-1/2 hr to 2 hr rise.  There is lots of stretching and folding and shaping involved in this one.  You need to prepare your oven for hearth baking using water in a pan and spraying the inside as well.  With that said I ended up a little disappointed with the crumb.  I know that several others had the same problem and the crumb was tighter than expected.  I just would have loved for this one to have been perfect!!!  The outside was nice and crusty.  The color was beautiful and the smell and the flavor was the best!  But my loaves weren’t perfect…

Would I make this one again?  Maybe, but not using this recipe.  There are so many other recipes and techniques that I would like to try my hand at one that was slightly more successful.  I did love the flavor of this and the kids loved it with an Italian herb and oil dipping sauce and as toast for breakfast!!!  The girl’s loved this with olive oil and herbs for dipping! 

Check out the Bread Baker’s Apprentice Blogroll to see some other really nice loaves of Ciabatta!

Want to Bake Along With Us?

There are several ways for you to join in the fun! First of all, you need a copy of Peter Reinhart’s The Bread Baker’s Apprentice. Then just start baking! Even if you are starting late, just begin with the first recipe and start working your way through. There are several ways to communicate with the group as you begin your journey:

Flickr: We have set up a BBA Challenge Flickr Group where you can upload photos, see photos from other members, and even post questions and comments in the group forum. It’s a private group, so you will need to click on the link that says ‘join this group’ if you want to be able to post photos. As long as you are willing to bake bread all of the bread from the book, you are welcome to join the Flickr group!

Twitter: If you use twitter, you can follow what the group is doing by searching for #BBA or #bba using Twitter’s search box. You can join in on the conversation by adding the #bba or #BBA tag to the end of your tweets when you are talking about anything related to the BBA Challenge. For me, following what people are doing on twitter has been the most fun!

Facebook: If you’re on Facebook, you can join the BBA Challenge Group there and share photos, ask questions, and talk about your bread baking experiences with other BBA members on Facebook.

Next up…Cinnamon Rolls or Sticky Buns!!!!

I am submitting this to BYOB (Bake Your Own Bread) hosted by Sandy of At the Baker's Bench. This is a great challenge to get you baking more of your own baked goods. Better for you and cheaper in the process!

As Always…

Happy Entertaining!!!

Judy
www.nofearentertaining.com

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Lead Babies and Autism: Does Lead Plus Mercury Equal Autism?

Grandview Corners in Surrey BC is the location of a launch for the book Lead Babies by Joanna Cerazy, who has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership a and Sandra Cottingham M.Sc. and Ph.D. and twenty plus years of classroom experience with regular students and students with special needs.

I have not yet read Lead Babies. The book is reviewed in an article by Alex Browne in the PeaceArchnews.com. Both educators noticed a rise in developmental problems including attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, autism, delinquency and violence. They conducted research across a variety of research disciplines and concluded that lead was the culprit behind the increases of these developmental problems and disorders:

“We wanted to know what’s going on,” she said. “We started researching various toxins and realized that lead was causing it – that even a low level of lead exposure can cause very serious problems.”

While the toxic effects of lead have been known for years, Lead Babies gathers together the latest research concerning in utero transfer of lead from mother to baby, showing that lead – from a multitude of apparently harmless sources – can pass into the brain and other organs of unborn children.

The Alex Browne article indicates that there is also a section in the book dealing with mercury:

“But there’s a significant increase in the toxic effect of mercury when there is lead in people’s systems. There’s a synergistic effect. It’s a missing piece of the puzzle, one you might not see if you’re only looking at mercury. But lead is such a key piece.”

And lead is pervasive. It is all around us:

The lead industry is still flourishing, Cerazy and Cottingham report. Lead is an important component in many cosmetics, and is a key ingredient in plastics that are required to be bendable, including toys. It can even be found in some kinds of imported candy.

I do intend to read Lead Babies. I will be interested in seeing what the gathered research says about the harmful impact of lead on development. But I will pay particular attention to the section dealing with lead and mercury and their combined or synergistic effects.

Does lead and mercury equal autism? Lead Babies may not answer that question but it is not often that you see any mention of the possible synergistic effects of the many toxins with which we pollute ourselves ... and our children.

autism

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Tell the People and Rulers of Iran that the World is Watching

On twitter and on blog sites Bloggers Unite for a Free Iran today.

Tweet or blog your support today for the freedom seeking people of Iran.

It may not seem like much but each tweet and each blog tells the people AND the rulers of Iran that the world is watching. Hopefully someday the people will rule Iran.

Today I humbly express my support for the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom.






autism

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Pride Weekend in Chicago!

(Picture I took from the Pilsen neighborhood)

This past weekend was awesome here in Chicago! I spent part of my weekend cheering on folks in Chicago's Dyke March and Pride Parade, as well as enjoying the Pride festivities in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. It was a lot of fun and if you ever get the chance, come out to Chicago during Pride Weekend - so much to see! Here are some pictures I took of this weekend's festivities...

Chicago Dyke March 2009
The Chicago Dyke March Collective is a grassroots demonstration
and celebration of dyke, queer, and transgender resilience

In Chicago, The Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade is an institution. It's an outrageous event surrounded by the good-moodest of crowds, and it's not to be missed. Gay, straight, not sure, not particular -- it's a day to celebrate being yourself. And everyone is welcome.

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Bobby's Burger Bunday: Garlic Butter Burger

This week for Burger Bunday, I made Bobby's Garlic Butter Burger. It's one burger recipe in his book that you can probably make today since you probably have the ingredients on hand. I prepared these burgers as sliders and they are just as good in mini size. As for additional toppings, it really isn't necessary. The garlic butter is more than enough flavor for this burger... But if you prefer, a little lettuce, tomato and onion (even cheese) wouldn't hurt it a bit!

Bobby says:

It doesn't get much easier or much better than this. Basting both the burger as you cook them and the buns before you toast them with a savory garlicky butter adds a whole new dimension of flavor to a classic burger. Tray adding a few tablespoons of fresh herbs or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the butter for even more flavor.

Garlic Butter Burgers
recipe from Bobby Flay's Burger's Fries & Shakes

12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks). slightly softened
4 cloves garlic
1/2 small shallot, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lbs ground chuck (80% lean) or ground turkey (90% lean)
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
4 hamburger buns; split; toasted if desired

*If making sliders, use dinner rolls instead of hamburger buns


Combine the butter, garlic, shallot and parsley in a food processor and process until smooth; season with salt & pepper to taste. Scrape into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The butter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before using. (My butter was a bit soft and slightly melted... but it made it easier to combine with the other ingredients.)


Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (or 8 equal portions if making sliders). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4 in thick patty and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.


Brush the buns (or dinner rolls) with about 4 tablespoons of butter, using roughly 1/2 tablespoon for each half.

Cook the burgers, using the oil, and brushing them every 30 seconds with the remaining garlic butter.


Meanwhile, toast the buns if desired. Place the burgers on the bun bottoms, cover with the bun tops, and serve immediately.

Here are some fellow bloggers who had a Burger Bunday this week!

Bulgur Veggie Burgers
shared by Erin of Cooking & Eating in the Windy City

Thai Peanut Turkey Burger
shared by Melissa of Mrs. Sac's Purple Kitchen

Parmesan Chicken Burgers

shared by Maryanna of Taste & See

Dessert Sliders & Cookie Fries
shared by Stephanie of Macaroni & Cheesecake

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Αγώνες ηθικοί και παραιτήσεις απο το μέλλον

ΤΟ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ
ΕΥΓΕΝΙΑ ΗΛΙΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ

Το μέλλον είναι το παρόν για το οποίο φροντίσαμε χθες
(Ανάλεκτα, Κομφούκιος 551– 479 π.Χ )


Ο Κομφούκιος θεωρείται από πολλούς ο Σωκράτης της Ασίας.Ήταν στοχαστής, δάσκαλος και αξιωματούχος (Kǒng Fūzǐ) και επηρέασε την φιλοσοφία όλης της Ανατολική Ασίας. Έδωσε ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στο προσωπικό ήθος και την κρατική ηθική. Διορίστηκε Υπουργός δημόσιων έργων και ακόλουθα Υπουργός Δικαιοσύνης όταν ήταν μόλις 50 ετών. Όταν , με τις διατυπωμένες θεωρίες για την ηθική στη πολιτική, προσέβαλε κάποια μέλη της αριστοκρατίας της Λου τo πλήρωσε ακριβά .Αναγκάστηκε να εγκαταλείψει τη θέση του και εξορίστηκε.

Δεν εγκατέλειψε τα πiστευω του. Συνέχισε να διατυπώνει την θεωρία του μπροστά στους χιλιάδες μαθητές του μέχρι τα βαθιά του γεράματα. Καθοδήγησε πνευματικά πολλούς ανθρώπους τόσο όσο ζούσε αλλά και μετά τον θάνατο του.
Πολλές φορές στην ζωή βρίσκεσαι μπροστά σε ένα σταυροδρόμι και πρέπει ,σε λίγα λεπτά, να αποφασίσεις ποια οδό θα ακολουθήσεις. Με γνώμονα την δική σου μελλοντική εξέλιξη καλείσαι να κάνεις την καλύτερη επιλογή.

Όταν δεν ξέρεις που θέλεις να πάς όλοι οι δρόμοι σου φαίνονται σωστοί. Θυμάσαι όμως ότι κρατώντας μία κατεύθυνση απομακρύνεσαι οριστικά από την άλλη. Ξέρεις ότι μερικές ευκαιρίες θα σου δοθούν μόνο μία φορά στην ζωή. Σου.

Η αυτογνωσία είναι καλός σύμβουλος αλλά…την διαθέτεις; ΄Έκατσες ποτέ να μιλήσεις με τον εαυτό σου και να τον ρωτήσεις:

τι θέλω από την ζωή μου; Τι όνειρα κάνω και με πόσες θυσίες θα τα κάνω πραγματικότητα; Η απόφαση είναι ολοκληρωτικά δική σου. Με τα υπέρ και τα κατά, που συνεπάγονται αυτής της απόφασης, το μέλλον σου θα αλλάξει. Οι συνέπειες (καταστροφικές ή ευεργετικές )θα επιβαρύνουν εσένα και τους γύρω σου.

Πόση ωριμότητα και πνευματική διαύγεια διαθέτεις για να προβλέψεις ότι από αυτήν την απόφαση θα κριθεί η ζωή σου; Όταν αυτοί οι προβληματισμοί σχετίζονται μόνο με την εξέλιξη σου, οι συνέπειες θα επιβαρύνουν ένα περιορισμένο αριθμό ανθρώπων.
Τι γίνεται όμως όταν η απόφασή σου θα επηρεάσει ένα κίνημα, ένα κόμμα, μία χώρα ;Τι γίνεται με αυτούς που σε ξεχώρισαν; Εμπιστεύτηκαν τα λεγόμενα σου ,το πρόγραμμά σου; Πως μπορείς να απογοητεύσεις τόσο πολύ αυτούς που σε ψηφίσανε; Οι αλυσιδωτές αντιδράσεις σε συνδυασμό με αρκετά πολιτικά γεγονότα θα φανούν στο μέλλον του κινήματος, του κόμματος ,της χώρας. Καλά τα λέει ο Κομφούκιος πως το μέλλον είναι το παρόν για το οποίο φροντίσαμε χθες
Η πολιτική ωριμότητα ,η ρεαλιστική αντίληψη για το πολιτικό γίγνεσθαι και κυρίως η γνώση της ανθρώπινης φύσης θα είναι οι καλύτεροι σύμβουλοι ενός πολιτικού άντρα.

Σχετικά

1. Κύρκου παραληρημα Η ναφθαλίνη ήταν ληγμένη;; του Διονύση Ελευθεράτου

2. Ο Συριζα δεν μπόρεσε να υπερβεί τις δυνατότητες και τα προβλήματα της Ευρωπαικής Αριστεράς του Γιάννη Μπασκόζου

3. Επανίδρυση της Αριστεράς;; του Μωυσή Λίτση

4. Μετεκλογικό τοπίο. Αναστατωμένος ο ΣΥΝ. Ψύχραιμος ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ.

του Τάσου Αναστόπουλου

5. Για την παραίτηση του Αλέκου του Ανδρέα Ρουμελιώτη.

6.

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Almond Veggie Pasta Salad

Each month friends and I get together to swap dishes, similiar to holiday cookie swaps (aka my Brunch & Barter events). This month I prepared the following recipe to share tomorrow. I have to admit, I really didn't have a clue what to make. Thanks to my friend Jen, she sent me a Cooking Light recipe which she made the last time we were over for dinner at their place. It was a great dish that's calls for a lot of pantry staples.

The original recipe calls for peanut butter - a standard pantry staple I don't normally have in the house. My husband isn't a fan of peanut butter so I just stopped using it in dishes. Because I didn't have any time to run to the grocery store, I opted to make a substitution - almond butter. I had plenty of raw almonds in my freezer to make a homemade almond butter so thankfully I saved myself a trip! I'm actually glad to have made this substitution because I feel better knowing it was truly a natural product without any preservatives or other miscellaneous ingredients.

The only other substitution I made was omitting the chicken using some broccoli slaw. It provided a bit more flavor and color to the overall dish and was something I had on hand. You're welcome to add chicken to this dish for a more filling meal.

Almond Veggie Pasta Salad
recipe adapted by Cooking Light

8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
2 cups broccoli slaw (broccoli, carrots & cabbage mix)
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup homemade roasted almond butter (recipe follows)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh ginger "thumb"
2 teaspoons Sriracha (hot chile sauce)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, black

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and place in a large mixing bowl.

Add the broccoli slaw salad and sliced green onions with the pasta; set aside.

Combine broth and next 7 ingredients (through Sriracha) in a food processor and process until smooth (or whisk together in a medium bowl). Drizzle broth mixture over pasta mixture; toss well. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Homemade Roasted Almond Butter
recipe from Mahalo

Toasting the almonds brings out their flavor. It is not absolutely necessary to toast the almonds, but toasting will enhance the flavor of your almond butter.

1 1/2 cups raw almonds (which will make about 1/2 cup of butter)

Preheat your oven to 350 F.
Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet.
Toast the almonds in the oven for about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the almonds from the oven when they start to change color.
Allow the almonds to cool to the touch.

Now that your almonds are nicely toasted, it is time to grind them into butter

Start your food processor on high speed and slowly add the almonds through the food processor shoot.

• At first, the mix will be dry and dusty.

Continue processing the almonds until the oils release from the nuts and the almond butter becomes smooth and creamy. It can take up to 10 minutes for the oils to release.

• You will know the oils are beginning to release when the mixture starts to change from a dry, crumbly mixture to a smoother, creamier mixture.

Use a spatula to scrape clumps off the sides of the food processor as necessary.
Add salt, if desired, to taste.

Scrape the almond butter out of the food processor with a spatula. All Recipes: Almond Butter Recipe
Store uneaten almond butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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