In December I had the urge to make bread. It was the same urge that I had several years ago to start knitting. I knitted everyone a beanie, or a wrap or a special heart to say I cared.  I am still knitting. I am working on a blanket project that is over half done, a wrap for my Watertown, NY sister-in-law and a fluffy, bright red beanie for a friend.

Now I am adding breadmaking to my list of activities. I researched bread machines on the internet. Found the one I liked, a two-pound Oster and added it to my wish list. Eventually, Amazon made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse. In December during my hip replacement recovery, I became the happy owner of an Oster bread machine. The bread is made in loaf form, has nine plus settings and produces perfect bread mostly by itself in a little over three hours.

Along with the machine, I ordered The Bread Machine Cookbook by Donna Rathmell German. It was her first book and I love it. One of my favorites is the honey nut oatmeal bread. Simple ingredients including honey, rolled oats, whole wheat flour, protein rich bread flour, cranberries and walnuts. Truly a healthy feast. Great toast for breakfast.

My reasoning was that I like fresh, whole grain bread for breakfast. There is no better way than to make your own. I had lost 25 pounds during my hip odyssey and continue to lose although at a slower and healthier rate.

The Arthritis Foundation says we should eat whole grains, fruit, and olive oil. My bread machine also produces dough for Focaccia. Left to rise on a peel, pressed with olive oil and fresh herbs, sprinkled with coarse salt and baked on a baking stone in a nice hot oven. A tasty addition to supper. Pizza is also good and quick to make with a fresh tomato sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese plus pepperoni for those who like it.

When I started making bread in December, I was still at a time in my recovery where it was hard for me to stand for more than a few minutes at a time. I used to quickly measure and toss the ingredients into the machine, turn it on and let it go. Now my hip is much better. I can enjoy the process of my bread baking. I have found specialty items, explored the thoughts of other bread bakers and experimented with new processes.

I am now in an RA flare. My feet rebel as do my hands and shoulders and the rest of me. I have started a Medrol dose pack. I still feel lucky to be involved with creative activities that keep my mind happily engaged.  I did have orange bread (made with orange juice and orange peel) for a snack today and plan on pizza for supper tomorrow night.