Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Making bread...

At this point you may think I've given up making beer. Think what you may.

While on my little hiatus I've decided to try my hand at making something else with yeast. My brother-in-law shared a book called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking a year ago. I read a bit of it and put it down. I probably had some beer to make. Anyway, a year later with nothing to do during our Snowpocalypes in combination with my convalescing after surgery I picked it up again. After browsing and skipping to the master recipe I decided to give it a shot. It's the least I could do while the rest of my family shoveled us out. Wouldn't they be proud?

The process consists of mixing up a bunch of wet dough ahead of time, storing it in the fridge, taking it out as you need it and baking it. So, I gave it a shot. Within a few hours I munched on my own "Artisan" bread. Not just any bread. Bread with chewy crust, a soft crumb and delicious yeasty flavors. You know, like the fancy stuff you buy at the store. Not the stuff in plastic, the real stuff.

Why am I telling you about this? Well, I'm excited for one thing. Two days later, and I've already made three loaves. I'm also thinking that you crazy brewers out there have what it takes to make this bread; a little patience, a propensity for process and the desire to create something and share it. Just think of it as making beer in solid form. And it's easier!
By the way I emailed my brother-in-law. I told him I'd return the book. I guess I'll have to buy my own copy now.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Man it is quiet around here. What have you been up to?

I have two cornies of barleywine, 1.5 of cider, one porter and some garbage pale ale sittin' around. The barleywine comes off a bit sweet when tasted at room temp in the basement. I'm hoping carbonation and a cooler temp will cut that a bit.


What the heck have you been up to? Leave a comment. I'm desperate to know I haven't lost my audience ;-)


Sunday, December 20, 2009

Winter storm, a time to make you feel small...


We all need perspective. Just looking around and seeing things in a new way can really help us understand our place in the world.

Feeling small in the face of a winter storm, a raging river or even by looking over a cliff can really bring perspective. Take time to be there. Live in that moment.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Photo from the weekend...







Sunday, December 13, 2009

...







Homebrew session at Jeremy's

Complete with homemade gingerbread :-)





Friday, December 11, 2009

Growler of Odyssey 2009

Might be willing to share this...



Sly Fox Hop Project

Sly Fox Red Sampler

Sly Fox Hop Project

Sly Fox Hop Project

The end of an era.

December Fermentation Friday(s) Collection


December Fermentation Friday(s) Collection

Topic: Favorite Holiday Homebrew or Homebrew Tradition

CNYBrew's Travis recalls three exceptional holiday brews. Wish him luck brewing one of them this weekend.

Thinking of days to come, my kegs are full and I'm mustering up the energy needed to continue my tradition.

Brew Dudes have a short, but, sweet contribution for us.