It was a quiet weekend at home as winds blustered and occasional smatterings of rain pelted the rooftops.
I loved when sunshine slipped through the clouds, making breakfast feel even warmer and cozier.
It was a weekend for quiet things: hanging laundry on the line, mending clothes torn by over-eager dogs and wayward bits of fencing, and moments spent curled up in the big, green armchair sipping tea and reading.
It was also a weekend for afternoon naps and heart-to-heart talks over cuppas. And baking. Lots of baking.
I love the healing nature of baking. It offers me time to sort out tangled thoughts and give them voice as I methodically measure out ingredients, knead dough, and thickly butter still-warm slices of bread. Whenever I can’t write or feel too frazzled to think clearly, a spate of baking will soon put me to rights.
I made buttery brioche studded with black currants. It was so good toasted and buttered for morning tea.
I made a salt-dusted loaf of white bread speckled with fresh rosemary, basil, and oregano. It was delicious filled with smoked ham and spread with grainy mustard.
And this morning I made Olive Pesto bread. I think it will go rather marvelously with the Roasted Red Pepper Soup I’ve got planned for dinner.
What activity helps you get your frazzled thoughts sorted?
XO
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I doubt I’ll ever understand the “healing nature of baking,” but I’m glad it works for you! Enjoy.
LOL! LOL! Oh, @UlyssesSRant:disqus , you never fail to crack me up. 🙂 You with your arms covered in flour? Now that’s a sight I’d like to see. 😉
I’d probably be throwing it at you. 😉
That egg & fries breakfast looks more North America than Europe, but your baking efforts look really healthy. When does the B&B open?
Yes, I suppose it is quite American, isn’t it, @google-01bbdd9fc7f53cd54265810538a0c5c5:disqus 🙂 I hadn’t really thought of that. 🙂 You know, I have pondered opening a B&B one day. I will keep you posted. 🙂
I love the look of all of your recipes 🙂 Funnily enough Krista baking helps me sort through my frazzled thoughts. I think I need to make more of an effort in the baking department, as I haven’t made the effort for a long, long time 🙂
I know what you mean, @wanderingsheila:disqus I hadn’t done it for a long while either, then one I day I decided to do it and thought, “WHY HAVEN’T I BEEN DOING THIS?!” 🙂
I like to read or eat comforting foods. This brioche is right up my alley and would even make a delicious french toast.
I miss freshly baked bread. My great grandma was always baking breads, cakes and cookies. I remember I ate half of a freshly baked loaf still hot out of the oven. The butter melted into soft gobs.
Man I’m hungry!
Delicious looking breakfast!
Ohhh, it would make a marvy french toast, @google-70296bde42d7508c6d40dd440b16617d:disqus 🙂 I love your memories of your grandma baking. 🙂 I’d want to devour half a loaf too!! Yum!
mmm this all looks super delicious!
Thanks, @disqus_6ZsWz7b0Pw:disqus 🙂 We’re just finishing up the last loaf today so I’d better get baking again. 🙂
Can I come hang out in your kitchen right now? I don’t eat bread very much anymore, but only because I have such trouble stopping once I’ve tasted it, and your baked delicacies look amazing!
I’ve just been reading through your posts from the last couple of weeks (I’m frightfully behind in keeping up) and wish I could wrap you up in a hug. You’ve been through so much, and sorting out the effects of PTSD and depression and shame (all recurring characters in my story too) takes so much courage. And then your cousin’s death… I’m so very, very sorry for your loss. I hope that some of your time in the kitchen was able to work its healing magic.
I wish I had your talent in the kitchen!!! Yuuuum! Taking photos helps me get through stress.
As usual your photos and thoughts are a delight. Whenever I feel disconnected with the world I go for a slow walk with my camera and dog. I love finding a different angle on something old and delighting in the world around me. Walking with my husband is a brisk affair, exercise driven, but a walk with my camera and dog means plenty of stops – by both of us.
Oh please can I move in? That breakfast is one I could live on. and the bread… wow
Oh,yum. I love baking too when there’s just nothing else to be done. Or making a soup or stew that requires lots of chopping. But baking has the sweet reward of a warm something to accompany a cup. Beautiful pictures, my friend. XO
I love that brioche. So pretty. So buttery!
Looks so good!!! I just want to dish up a serving or two!
Your breads look amazing! I unfortunately struggle with baking bread. Any tips or tricks?
I’m so jealous and in awe that you can make bread like this – delicious!
Olive. Pesto. Bread. Oh my… All your baking looks gorgeous – I think I am well overdue a week at home doing quite, but necessary things… When I’m frazzled, writing soothes me 🙂