Speaking of fall comforts, I wanted to share something I’m quite proud of—my homemade sourdough sandwich bread! I’ve attached a picture of it fresh out of the oven. There’s just something so satisfying about baking, especially when it turns out this well. If you’d like the recipe, I’d be more than happy to share it—it’s simpler than you’d think!

In between my baking adventures, I’m also busy working on my next cozy mystery, and I can’t wait for you to dive into it. Stay tuned for updates!

Wishing you a wonderful, cozy fall filled with delicious bread and delightful mysteries.

Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe
Makes: 2 Loaves | Prep Time: 13+ Hours | Cook Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) active sourdough starter
• 2 ⅔ cups (600g) warm filtered water
• ¼ cup (85g) raw honey
• 7-8 cups (1050-1200g) bread flour (adjust as needed) I used 6 cups.
• 3 Tbsp (40g) olive oil
• 4 tsp (24g) Himalayan salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active starter with the warm water and honey, stirring until well combined. Add the bread flour, olive oil, and salt, and stir until the dough starts to come together but remains somewhat loose and will seem a little too wet.
2. Flour your hands and continue kneading the dough until most of the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest for about 45-60 minutes.
3. Perform a series of stretch-and-fold techniques to help develop the gluten. Once done, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and leave it at room temperature overnight for 8-10 hours. Do not refrigerate the dough.
4. The next morning, lightly flour your work surface and gently transfer the dough onto it to release any trapped air. Divide the dough in half for two loaves. Shape each half into a rectangle, then roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
5. Grease your loaf pans with olive oil or butter. Shape the logs by tucking and pulling the dough slightly to create tension on the surface. Pinch the seams closed, then place the dough into the pans. Cover and let rise for 2-3 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, bake the loaves for approximately 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter right after removing them from the oven, and allow the loaves to cool for 1-2 hours before slicing.

This bread pairs perfectly with butter, jam, or honey, and makes for excellent French toast. It also works great for sandwiches and stays fresh for 2-3 days if kept covered or stored in a bread bag.

Tip:
If your dough seems over-proofed, don’t worry! It can still rise beautifully after shaping and baking.

Need to make Sourdough starter?

Beginner Sourdough Starter Recipe
Yield: Approximately 1 cup (236g) | Method: 1 Bowl

Looking for an easy way to create a sourdough starter from scratch? This simple guide is perfect for beginners, no special equipment needed. Follow along as I walk you through each step, offering tips and tricks along the way. In no time, you’ll have your very own active starter to bake with!

Before you begin, here are a few important notes:

• The process usually takes about 7 days if your kitchen is warm enough (ideally between 70-75°F). However, it can take up to 2 weeks or more for the starter to become strong and active, so don’t worry if it takes longer!
• When you switch to all-purpose or bread flour around Day 3 or 4, you may notice that the starter’s growth slows down a bit. This is completely normal—just stay patient!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 large jar (about ¾ L or similar)
• 1 rubber band or piece of tape to mark the growth
• 1 (5 lb) bag of all-purpose or bread flour (I like King Arthur Flour or Trader Joe’s brand)
• ½ cup (60g) whole wheat flour
• Warm water (around 85°F)

Once your starter is active, you can use it to bake sourdough bread or other delicious recipes!

Instructions

Before you start: Establish a consistent feeding routine. Your starter will thrive on consistency! I find it helpful to feed my starter in the morning, right around the time I’m having my first cup of coffee.

Day 1:
Combine 60g (½ cup) of whole wheat flour and 60g (¼ cup) of warm water in your jar. Stir until the mixture is thick and pasty. Cover the jar loosely and leave it in a warm spot (around 70-75°F) for 24 hours.

Tip: A good place to keep your starter warm is inside your oven (turned off) with the light on for 1-2 hours. Be sure to monitor the temperature, as it can get warm quickly. You could also try using a proofing box or place it near a warm spot in your kitchen.

Day 2:
Check for bubbles! Even if you don’t see any, they might have appeared overnight while you were sleeping. No need to do anything today—just let the starter rest for another 24 hours.

Tip: Sometimes you’ll notice a dark liquid on top of the starter, called “hooch.” It smells a bit strong, but it’s perfectly normal. This just means your starter is hungry! If you see it, simply pour it off before your next feeding.

Day 3:
Time for your first discard! Remove half of the starter (around 60g) and discard it. Then, feed the remaining starter by adding 60g (½ cup) of all-purpose or bread flour and 60g (¼ cup) of water. Mix well, cover, and leave it in a warm spot for another 24 hours.

Day 4-7:
Repeat the same process each day: discard half of the starter and feed it with 60g of flour and 60g of water. Mix until smooth, cover, and let it rest in a warm spot for 24 hours. By Day 7, your starter should be bubbly and doubling in size within a few hours of feeding.

Day 8 and Beyond:
By now, your starter should be active and ready to use! It should be filled with bubbles, light, and airy with a texture similar to marshmallows. It should also have a pleasant, slightly tangy smell (and no more gym socks!).

If your starter isn’t ready yet, don’t worry! Keep feeding it daily until it becomes strong and active, which may take another week or more, depending on the temperature and other factors.

Once your starter is ready, you can transfer it to a clean jar and, in true sourdough tradition, give it a name! My starter’s name is Dillon, after my oldest boy.

Wondering if your starter is ready?
Try the float test: Take a teaspoon of your bubbly starter and drop it into a cup of water. If it floats, it’s ready to use!

Storage Options

• If you bake often: Keep your starter at room temperature and feed it once or twice a day to keep it active.
• If you bake occasionally: Store your starter in the fridge and feed it once a week. No need to bring it to room temperature before feeding—just add flour and water and pop it back into the fridge.

This should keep you well on your way to sourdough success! Happy baking!

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Blizzard Crossing

by Lyssa Lund

Giveaway ends June 08, 2023.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

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★★★★★ “Totally recommend this book. Interesting well-written story with lots of unexpected twists to keep me glued to the pages.“ – Reader review
___

For years, the kingdoms of Seelie and Unseelie have enjoyed a tenuous peace. But now, something wicked is stirring in the depths of the Sylvan Wilds.

Strange and terrifying creatures that were once only thought to be myths have begun to emerge, threatening to upset the balance of power and plunge the land into chaos.

To uncover the truth behind these ominous sightings, a brave group of adventurers sets out on a perilous journey into the heart of the Wilds. Led by King Callan and Queen Niomi of the Unseelie, along with Niomi’s daughter Kayla, the Seelie duo Alaia and Mattias, King Wen of the Seelies, Finn the guardian, and Vallen, a member of the forest tribe, the group must navigate treacherous terrain, fight off dangerous But fate has other plans for them. Along the way, the group is split in two, and their paths diverge.

As Kayla discovers her true calling as a healer, King Wen finds himself drawn to her in ways he never imagined. Meanwhile, Callan, Niomi, Alaia, Mattias, and Vallen face challenges that will test their limits and push them to the brink. As the group races against time to uncover the truth and restore peace to their kingdoms, they will be forced to confront their deepest fears, their darkest secrets, betrayal, and the true nature of their bonds with one another. Can they overcome the odds and emerge victorious, or will the forces of darkness overwhelm them? Find out in this epic tale of adventure, magic, and destiny.

Order your copy now and join the Niomi, Callan, Alaia and Mattias as they shape the fate of the kingdoms!

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Quiche Lorraine

This one is excellent – Lyssa

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 1 hour Bake: 1-1/4 hours + cooling

YIELD: 8 servings.

Nestled in a buttery, rustic crust, this quiche is filled with sweet onions, bacon bits and cheese. It’s truly the best quiche Lorraine recipe.

Ingredients

• Dough for single-crust deep-dish pie
• 1 package (12 ounces) thick-sliced bacon strips, coarsely chopped
• 3 large sweet onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme (1/2 T dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1-1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

• 1. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 14-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-in. springform pan; press firmly against bottom and sides. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
• 2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in pan. Add onions to drippings; cook and stir over medium heat until caramelized, 20-25 minutes.
• 3. Stir in thyme, pepper and nutmeg; remove from the heat. Cool slightly. Stir in cheeses and reserved bacon; spoon into crust. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and cream until blended; pour over top. Place springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
• 4. Bake on a lower oven rack until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, 75-85 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes. Loosen side from pan with a knife. Remove rim from pan.

Quiche Lorraine Tips

How can I enhance the flavor of my quiche Lorraine?

Splurge on good-quality cheese to get the best flavor. You’ll be amazed at how much better it will taste. Also, avoid using low-fat dairy products as these tend to have more water in them, which means they won’t produce the same creamy texture full-fat products give you. Have leftover Parmesan cheese to spare?

How can I save time while making this recipe?

To save time, make the crust early and place it in the springform pan to chill the night before serving. The more time you allow it to chill, the better. It will hold its shape more easily, adding more flaky, buttery goodness to every bite.

How do you freeze quiche?

Quiche is one of the best freezer breakfasts! If you have leftover quiche and want to save it for another day or you want to make it ahead of time and freeze it whole, simply let the baked quiche cool to room temperature. Then wrap in a double layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator; reheat in a 350° oven until internal temperature reaches 160°.

How do you make a deep-dish pie crust?

To make a deep-dish pie crust, combine 1 to 1 & 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; cut in 2/3 cup of cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add 3 to 6 tablespoons of ice water, tossing with a fork until dough holds together when pressed. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or freeze for up to 6 months. (Psst! I recommend using a springform pan. It allows for more filling per slice than with a deep-dish pie plate.) If you like the more decorative crust you can use this deep dish tart pan like I did in this picture. Either way it is delicious!!

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 671 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 308mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

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The thrilling, action-packed first book in the romantic fantasy series Borderland Guardians from Lyssa Lund.

When 30-something survivalist Bri Ryan follows her Borzoi Hounds off the trail in the woods during the middle of a blizzard, a terrifying creature arrives to try to make them his next meal.

Lost and injured by something from a nightmare, Bri and her hounds are rescued by a Guardian as cold and aloof as the woods surrounding them.

Bri reluctantly realizes she is no longer in her world and has entered a realm called The Borderlands.

Staying alive and keeping her identity a secret, Bri needs to navigate this new world and find a way to get home. Can she trust the Guardian?

From author Lyssa Lund comes a seductive, haunting book that blends romance, adventure, and fantasy with an introduction to the breathtaking Borderlands and the Guardians that protect them.

***** The Blizzard Crossing is an intricately woven tale of intrigue and mystery that held my attention from start to finish. The characters are so well-developed, and you feel like you really get to know them and their struggles throughout the book. Bri and Arin’s relationship is respectful and believable—it sweeps you up and makes you say, “aww!” The multiple POVs really give the narrative depth, allowing readers to invest in the characters more than a single POV would have. When I finished the book, I had so many questions, questions I can’t wait to read the next book to get answers for. I’m excited to learn more about this world and its characters in the sequel. -Reader review

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Happy Read an Ebook Week! If you are looking for a new book to download and read this week to celebrate, be sure to check out the many books available at a promotional price at @Smashwords from March 5-11. Check out the sale at https://www.smashwords.com/ebookweek #ebookweek23 #Smashwords

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Dark King’s Heart

by Lyssa Lund

Giveaway ends March 05, 2023.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

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What is the definition of a villain? A villain is typically defined as a character in a story who opposes the protagonist and engages in morally reprehensible behavior. However, the definition of a villain is not always black and white. Some villains may have understandable motivations or come from a place of trauma or pain. Others may believe that they are doing what is necessary for the greater good, even if it means engaging in questionable behavior. But it’s these characters who keep us captivated and challenge our own moral boundaries.

How do villains justify their actions? Villains often justify their actions by convincing themselves that they are doing what is necessary for a greater cause, or that the ends justify the means. They may believe that the world is a corrupt and unjust place, and that they are the only ones with the power to make a change. In some cases, villains may even view themselves as heroes, despite their actions being objectively evil.

Is it morally wrong to do something bad if the end result is good?
This question is at the heart of many stories featuring antiheroes or morally ambiguous characters. While some may argue that the ends do justify the means, others believe that the morality of an action is not determined by its outcome, but by the intention behind it. This debate is what makes stories featuring morally complex characters so compelling, as readers are forced to question their own beliefs about what is right and wrong.

Can villains be redeemed? Redemption is a common theme in stories featuring villains, as it allows for a satisfying conclusion to a character’s arc. However, not all villains are able to be redeemed, and not all stories need a redemption arc to be effective. Redemption often requires a character to confront the consequences of their actions and make amends for the harm they have caused, which can be a difficult and painful process.

Are there any benefits to being a villain? While being a villain may not be morally justifiable, there are some benefits to inhabiting that role in a story. Villains are often complex and nuanced characters, with compelling backstories and motivations. They can be incredibly charismatic, and their actions can be thrilling to read about. In some cases, villains may even serve as a cautionary tale, warning readers about the dangers of engaging in unethical behavior.

By understanding the motivations behind villainous characters, we can better understand why they do what they do and how their actions may be justified. We can also explore whether villains are redeemable or not, and if there are any benefits to being a villain in fiction. Ultimately, it is up to readers themselves to decide who should receive sympathy – heroes or villains? No matter which side you choose however, one thing remains constant: good vs evil will always remain an integral part of storytelling that captivates us all.

The world of storytelling would be far less interesting without the murky waters between good and evil. Characters who straddle that line challenge our beliefs and keep us engaged in the story. By exploring the nuances of villainy, we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves and our own moral compasses.

So next time you’re reading your favorite book series with its array of complex characters and moral dilemmas – just remember that every character has a story worth exploring!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on King Callan. Was he a Villain?

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