I’m a creature of habit. I find comfort in daily routines that’s have have become constant reoccurring themes. Sometimes I begin changing things up in gradual bits and pieces but, like a moth being pulled to a light, I fall back into reassuring themes that mirrors my quiet life.
Sunday’s have long taken form in a day for family which often equates to baking because in my kaleidoscope-color-filled-world baking = love, and then my afternoon gradually melds into gratitude for the week behind me and preparing for the week ahead me. It’s a simple, peace filled way to end the weekend while jump starting the next.
Sunday is for Baking
Today I am baking fig and pepper bread again. Because, you see, I tried baking it yesterday with a blend of spelt and gluten-free flour and the result was disastrous. I have mad respect for those of you who have mastered the art of gluten-free baking. But every single time, and I do mean every single time I try to bake gluten-free bread it turns out hard and dense and absolutely unappetizing. And who wants to eat that? Uggg. I tossed it.
Ok. Enough about that episode of my life. Moving on.
Let’s move on to this mornings attempt. You see, I’ve never made fig and pepper bread before but after reading First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen I figured I’d give it a whirl. But, like so many recipes, I have tweaked it to fit my current lifestyle – meaning I cut the recipe in half. Oh, and I also set up a bit of flour, water and a pinch of yeast to proof overnight as a starter (almost looks like a pancake batter consistency when you finish mixing it up). Haven’t tried it? This trick makes a great starter to almost any hearty bread. Try it and let me it goes.
Fig & Pepper Bread
Because I started with my overnight proof (1/2 cup flour + 1/2 cup water + 1/4 tsp yeast) I adapted the recipe accordingly. I’ve kneaded the chopped dates into the dough. Now the wait begins to let it rise.
Gratitudes and Prep
As Sunday afternoon begins to fade I find myself giving thanks for life’s blessings. Even as rain falls and life sometimes presents challenges that make me pause, it’s best to give thanks. God has plans we don’t always understand but I can tell you He’s always there to listen and sometimes that’s the best gift of all.
My Sunday always tends to lean towards picking up, a bit of laundry, changing bedding, and other chores along the way. Once upon a time it would include a Sunday dinner but I’m not consistent with that anymore. Sometimes cooking for one seems to be a bit much.
What I’ve begun doing (I need a lot more practice) is spending time envisioning all the good I want to happen in the upcoming week. It’s good practice to set mini goals and projecting positive energy into all the possibilities coming my way over the next few days. But, as I’m sometimes a bit antsy, it’s not always easy to do… instead I’m up before I know it, like my feet have a mind of their own, putting my laptop bag together (ensuring my cords are in there pockets), putting the coffee pot on for the morning and mentally putting together my Monday workwear.
Breathe.
To keep me honest, I’ll depend on you. And this blog. So here it goes.
My Week Ahead Affirmation: I trust the process of LIFE to take care of me. Today is a new day. I will have many experiences. I am Loved. I am Safe. And so it is. – from Heart Thought Cards by Louise Hay
The smell of fresh bread is luring me away… let’s go see if it’s done. Sending you love and happiness.
❤