Thrift Thursday--Bread Machine, Part 3!

Please allow me to introduce you to my beloved thrift store West Bend bread machine! I do love this bread machine! It's my favorite of the 6 or 7 machines I've tried--one of its big advantages is that it makes a traditional shaped loaf-- a huge plus!

I got my first machine in this model some years ago, when I needed to replace my old worn-out tall-loaf machine. I came across the West Bend at a yard sale, and picked it up for $10.00--with the manual, fortunately--and just loved it. Besides the loaf shape, another favorite feature is that the machine opens in the front rather than at the top--and there's a good window in the door. It's easy to reach in and adjust the dough if needed, and the pan and the paddles (it has two) are easy to clean. The pan releases well.

Homeless bread machines seem to abound at thrift stores, and my girls and I have watched for this model ever since. We've so far found three other machines like it, and we've paid anywhere from $8.00 to $12.00 each--about the going rate for thrift store bread machines around here. This machine come in two versions--the one I'm using now is a little more deluxe, and has a 'quick bread' cycle as well as all the standard cycles the other model has. (FYI--if you don't have the instructions, the manual is available at westbend.com).

I have to say that I think it's hard to utilize the machine well if it's not stored where it can be used--I suppose this is one big reason for the number of homeless bread machines out there. My machine measures 17-1/2"wide by 11-1/2" high by 11" deep--a little bigger than some standard machines, I think. Too much valuable space would be taken up by keeping it on the counter in my small kitchen, but I found a place for it on top of my vintage cookbook shelves, next to an outlet, where I can use it anytime. Poor Kitty lost her favorite viewpoint to the machine--but she's found a new spot!


I'm afraid I'm gushing . . . and I still have much to say! More later.


Another FYI: West Bend also makes conventional tall-loaf machines--while doing an internet search, I was fascinated to learn that some of them have been recalled due to fire danger! I believe these were all older, conventional machines, but it's easy to tell by tell by the machine's date, which is stamped on the back. Info is at
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml95/95106.html

The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread--Cons?

Since I've praised the bread machine, it's only fair to look at the other side--there must be a few minuses, since thrift stores are always full of rejected machines at bargain prices!

First: the machine may not automatically turn out perfect, tasty loaves.

Second: counter space being valuable real estate, the machine can be a space hogger--especially if it isn't turning out tasty treats.

Third: on the other hand, if the machine isn't easily accessible we are much less likely to drag it out and use it.

Fourth: the usual tall machine loaf is not nearly as satisfactory as the traditional long loaf shape. Slices can be too big, and they're more fragile.

Fifth: the bread machine does only make one loaf, which may not be enough for bigger families.

Difficulties--and I suppose someone really might be tempted to just toss the machine out. That said, I have to admit that in my mind, none of these difficulties outweighs the benefits. I have much more to say!

Miniatures Monday--Ballet Class

Who could resist anything so cute and tiny? I have become enchanted with Littlest Pet Shop Blythe dolls! So far, twelve and counting. . .

L.P.S. Blythes are found in the toy aisle, and come with an outfit, a pet, and a pet accessory--I have to say that the Pet Shop pets do not speak to me, but they are very special to other girls in the family, so everyone is happy! The girls are 4.5 inches high, and also come with the cutest tiny shoes, and a stand.

Here, just a few of the girls are modeling the leotard-and-tutu sets I made for their ballet class, using bits and scraps from my stash. Working out the pattern was a fun challenge!

Too much fun!

The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread!

I love my dear bread machine, and use it all the time! My mechanical friend has repaid me many, many times over for the $8.00 I spent on it at the thrift store.

We're all being affected by the continuing rise in the cost of food--I propose that using that dusty bread machine can reduce the cost of food, and in many ways!

First, one of my basic rules for spending less at the grocery store: stay out of there as much as possible! We all know how hard it is to drop into the store for a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread, and not end up buying a few more things--and chances are that we could have got along without those extras just fine. Not to mention the time and gasoline consumed by the errand!

Second, a loaf of homemade bread is less expensive to make than to buy.

Third, the machine's dough setting makes practically foolproof pizza dough, dinner rolls, sweet rolls, coffee cakes, and crusts for main dishes (ideas to come!) .

Fourth, homemade bread is inexpensive, delicious, and satisfying--a plus for filling up teenage boys and hardworking men.

Fourth, homemade bread is wholesome--you know just what's in there because you put it in yourself And with a few tips and some practice, you can make your bread just the way you like it. Tune in later for further info!

Fifth, homemade bread just tastes better, and has great texture.

Last, (and not least) of all: nothing in the world beats the smell of bread baking when you come home. With your machine's timer, you can have fresh bread just when you need it. Or want it.

And so, I embark on a series: In Praise of the Bread Machine!

Avocado Joy!

My sister's family came from California to this cold place over the holidays, bringing
good cheer--a box of avocados from their tree. . .

. . .and oranges, pomegranates, lemons, almonds, and persimmons! What bounty! I'm thinking of making some pomegranate jelly, and freezing cubes of lemon juice for later. I have to admit I have never personally met a persimmon before, and I pureed and froze a couple for smoothies later.

But the avocados! What luxury! I'll eat them on toast, make guacamole, put them in salads and sandwiches, eat them with a spoon. . .

I'm just remembering--years ago I worked at a juice bar where we made an avocado smoothie with orange juice and protein powder with just a little cinnamon--now I'm thinking avocado, orange juice, and yogurt. Yum!

If it comes right down to it and they get ahead of me, I understand avocado pulp freezes quite well. Might just give it a try!

Thanks, Bill!!

Kids Sleep Masks

Deep into my annual pajamas-robes-slippers project for my grandkids, I have come up with a new variation this year--sleep masks!

I actually had all but two of these fleece colors in my stash, so it's almost a scrap project. I developed the patterns from a basic sleep mask pattern, with inspiration from Google Images. All credit to real artists!

Check out Care's clever, fast, and easy technique for working layered patterns in fleece--it's fun and works up fast! I worked the designs on a single layer of the basic fabric, then top-stitched the fronts to a second layer, sandwiching in the ends of the elastic at the sides--two rows of elastic help keep the mask on. The outside shape is cut out after the edges are stitched--much easier!

Merry Christmas!

11-11-11: Eleven-Eleven-Eleven Party!

Since she was small, my sister's favorite number has always been eleven, so she's always found the hour of 11:11:11 on November 11 a fun moment.

And since this is a big year for elevens, we will be the ONES to celebrate 11:11:11 o'clock, on the date 11-11-11. We've invited the family to celebrate as ONE. Happily there are two opportunities to celebrate on that day!

My sister will be on her way to my state for the festivities, and we've had some fun coming up with ideas for the celebration--it's ONE party not to miss! As you know, the chance will come only ONES in a lifetime! Some ideas:


--Play Yahtzee, with a special 11-point bonus for a Yahtzee of 1's

--Play Uno--twice! Or maybe Phase 11?

--Invite 11 people

--Have an 11-themed gift exchange

--Have countdown to 11:11:11, am or pm --both at our house!
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-Watch 'Ocean's 11' or

-- 'The Eleventh Hour' with Patrick Stewart

--Play our favorite dice game, Farkle

--Dine on delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken--made with 11 herbs and spices!
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-When the kids get tired, read them 'The Eleventh Hour', by Graeme Base


We've invited everyone to come dressed in an 'eleven' theme, and bring eleven-themed refreshments--it will be fun to see what everyone comes up with!

Many thanks to Q.Clark and Chris for their fabulous logo!

Any more ideas? Happy 11-11-11 to all!