I'm sure that if you are like me you have a million different things going on. Things to plan, stuff to check off the to-do list, places to run kids too, trying to come up with something to make for dinner, cleaning, laundry, PTSO meetings, & it goes on & on!
{breathe!}
Well as I was looking through my November issue of Martha Stewart Living I came to an article that changed my outlook on being busy. It was in an article titled, 10 feel-good things to do this November.
{I'm tying it into October & even carrying this philosophy into December}
-No. 4-
The next time you lament over your packed schedule, think of it as a blessing. People who are busy are happier than those who are idle, even when tasks are forced upon them, according to a study in the journal Psychological Science. It may seem counter intuitive, but it turns out that being active pays off mentally by giving you a sense of purpose.
True, isn't it really a blessing to be busy. To have children to hug & take care of, to have friends to take something to show appreciate to, a home to clean, dinner to make for your family, clothes to fold & to just being an active, involved citizen in your community.
I love changing my perspective & seeing something in a new light. I once heard someone say to not be upset because you have bills to pay each month but instead be grateful for the light, electricity & heat you get to pay for. {LOVED THAT!}
So I'm keeping busy today & making bread & sharing it with friends who I owe a thank you too.
{It always turns out pretty, it's easy to make & yummy!}
No-Knead Bread
3. C. all-purpose flour. {For wheat bread I substitute 1 C. of wheat flour}
1/4 tsp. Instant Yeast
1 1/4 tsp. Salt
Cornmeal
In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 C. warm water, and stir until blended, dough will be shaggy & sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12-18 hours at room temperature. {The ONLY hard part about this recipe is remember to plan ahead}
Dough is ready when it's surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface & place dough on it, sprinkle it with a little more flour, fold over once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap & let rest 15 min.
Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface & fingers, gently shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel {NOT terry cloth} with cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel & let rise for 2 hrs.
At least 1/2 hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6-8 Qt. covered pot in oven as it preheats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven {CAUTION remember the pot is hot use hot pads} Slide your hand under towel & turn dough over into pot, it may look like a mess, but that is ok :) Shake pan once or twice to evenly distribute the dough. Cover with lid & bade for 30 min., then remove lid & cook for 15 min. more or until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack. Enjoy!
Give it a try, my kids love it!
I like giving it away because it looks very artisian like you got it from somewhere fancy. Shhhh, don't tell ;)
{M}
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