Bagels...a Success Story.

I finally have made bagels. I have been wanting to FOREVER. I finally broke down. Sure it was in my bread machine, but I did the rest of the hard work.















Finished project...




















I'd say it was a success. Kid tested, Jason approved.

What Ever Happened to May Flowers?

I would really like to know where the saying "April showers bring May flowers" came from. I am starting to think its a bunch of baloney!















Here is LOVELY South Dakota (i.e. my backyard). This has been the back drop for most of the month of May. Grey skies... I am not well pleased. Why, you ask? Because with grey clouds come miserable, miserable rain. We even had snow on Wednesday. This is NOT cool!

Not to mention hail storms.






























And 9 minutes later:

















But at least someone is enjoying all the moisture.















LOOK at that onion... He's HUGE!

We'll see how much longer this weather decides to linger... It's supposed to be pleasant in May!

Can They Really Be Called Wheat Thins?

So after a short sabbatical, I am back with another creation.

I recently acquired some whole wheat flour. I've been saving a recipe to try, but I've never had whole wheat flour... but now a world of opportunities have opened!

I have successfully made Wheat Thins!















They are SO one of my favorite crackers, but let's just say they don't fit into the budget... except for Thanksgiving.

But I know I've made my fair share of COPY-CAT recipes, but sometimes, they just are a little bit off from the original.

Like Costa Vida Sweet Pork. Totally good, but I just miss my Costa Vida. Why does it have to be so good?












Or Tiny Spicy Chicken. Its a nice substitute, but doesn't come close to Royale Express in Logan.














Anyways, I digress about the delicious food of Utah...

These Wheat Thins taste EXACTLY like the store bought kind. I was totally surprised. It was a simple recipe to make with AWESOME results... LOVE IT!!!

So since I'm so kind I will share the wealth... in form of a recipe because I don't think I could send you all crackers... they might get stale.


Wheat Thins


1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons of Butter of Margarine, softened
1/2 to 2/3 Cups Milk
Salt for the Tops (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 Degrees.

In a large bowl, or food processor for the lucky ones, combine flours, sugar, and salt.

Cut butter into the flour mixture until it resemble a course meal.

Blend milk in slowly, using enough to form a dough that hold together.

Divide the dough ball into 2 equal halves.

NOW THE TRICKY PART

Roll the dough out on a floured surface, i.e. pastry cloth, your counter top, flat surface.

Roll the dough out to 1/6 to 1/8 inch thickness. The thinner the better.

Sprinkle the rolled out dough with salt if wanted.

Cut crackers into 2 inch squares with a sharp knife.

Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet and prick each cracker 2 or 3 times with a fork... gives it the professional look... or maybe some great air holes... all I know if JUST DO IT!

Bake them for 20-25 minutes or till crackers are lightly browned.

Cool on a rack.

Depending on how big you cut them, should made a lot of crackers (95-100). I think its about a box full.
















Et voilà! Wheat Thins... although I question if they can be called Wheat Thins with the amount of Wheat Flour I used... something to think about.

But the truth of the matter... they are DELICIOUS!!!!!!

However, now that I've given you the recipe, I don't want the hear any body give me grief about them not tasting exactly like store bought Wheat Thins... I must have forgotten to add all those preservatives and additives... how forgetful of me!