WHOLE WHEAT ROSEMARY

Today was perfect (in all it's imperfection, much like the shape of my loaf of bread).  I was so excited to make bread on my own for the first time.  I love the excitement of waiting for the dough to rise and find myself doing relaxing things while I wait - enjoying my new book, going for a run, indulging in a cup of tea.  I made my first loaf of bread (ever) last weekend when my grandparents were still in town and it was such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  My grandad loves making bread and the smell wafting through the house always brings back childhood memories of visiting them in Arizona.  Every loaf he makes has the perfect amount of crispiness surrounding a soft, warm, doughy inside.  He is a true baker (when he's not busy being a lawyer) and I was thrilled when he agreed to teach me his ways.  I only hoped I could inherit his patience and perfection when working with the dough.  So today was my test.  There were moments I didn't think I would pull through but I ended up impressed and satisfied.  Using whole wheat flour (instead of enriched white) was a little different but I'm pleased and I sprinkled some rosemary in the dough before leaving it to rise, the perfect finishing touch.

EAT REAL FOOD

I first read a book by Michael Pollan back in high school (The Botany of Desire) and have always been fascinated with his work.  I was so excited when one of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo, mentioned this short video in a post the other day.  I agree with so many of his ideas and truly believe that taking time to cook food yourself instead of letting a corporation do it for you is a key to a healthy diet and lifestyle.  His book Food Rules is a great one to keep around the house and pick up every once and a while.  One of my favorite takeaways from his 'rules' is to eat real food, which is increasingly hard to do these days.   These ideas are also closely related to a documentary I watched on Saturday called Food Fight.  It's all so inspiring!