Forget Sourdough Try These Breads

 For some reason sourdough bread was the hit of the lock down. Home bakers took to it like a duck to water. Yet there are so many other breads to try - from white to rye to whole wheat. These are just as delicious and even easier to whip up.

White bread always gets a bad wrap. It's probably because of the store bought processed kind which has the taste and texture of a kitchen sponge. However homemade white bread is an entirely different kind. It's soft and chewy, perfect on it's own with butter or jam or used for sandwiches. The ingredients are fairly straightforward - flour yeast, water, honey, salt and butter. some home bakers add a tiny bit of vinegar to keep the texture soft and the flavor not too sweet. As for flour, yes you can use regular white but some home bakers prefer bread flour which gives it a much more chewier bite. Keep in mind you can also make bread rolls too. These are fun to make and can be topped with an egg wash and poppy/sesame seeds. A variation is the baguette. The dough recipe is slightly different, with the omission of honey and butter. A few tip before making it. You can buy French bread loaf pans at good kitchen stores such as Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table. Another instrument to buy is a baker's  lame which looks like a toothbrush with a small razor at the end instead of a brush. This is used for creating those classic slashes and "rips" on the top of the bread. Ice  - yes ice is used to create that ultra crusty crust. Toss three to four cubes on the oven floor to create steam that will crisp up the loaf.

For those wanting a  healthier slice,  think whole wheat. King Arthur brand has the best wheat flour and it can be bought at any grocery store or super store like Wal-Mart. Most recipes call for honey(if you want to continue with the all natural vibe, then use organic honey) along with water, yeast and salt. Again like with white bread the dough can be sectioned off into rolls whether for dinner or just lunchtime sandwiches. Another dark bread that's easy to make - and even easier to eat is pumpernickel.Its' dark color comes from the blend of whole wheat flour and dark cocoa powder while the unique taste comes from unsulphured  molasses. These would be great baked into rolls and served with a hearty steak dinner or  beef stew. The most classic brown bread is rye. This is a blend of rye flour - again use King Arthur or arrowhead Mills brands for this along with butter and warm milk. Carraway seeds are added for the traditional anise flavor. It isn't done much but you can make rye rolls, which are perfect for ham or pastrami sandwiches.

Try new breads if you're tired of baking sourdough. Try something different with the same amount of flavor and crusty crust. It could be a baguette or a rye roll. Get creative and expand your bread repertoire.

A Movable Feast

One of the most fun aspects of having or renting a summer house is having people over. It's nice to celebrate bonds with a refreshing dip or hike followed by a meal. It's enjoying locavore dining by  the sea or the mountains. What better way to honor the season.
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If you own your summer home, then it's easy to transport some of your kitchen gear to it.Think about packing the blender and food processor along with some of your best knives. Your summer house probably already has pots and pans. Another idea is replicating everything for the summer house. Kohl's , Target and Wal-mart are having sales right now. Get smaller and cheaper versions of what you already have.  Also use them for multi-purposes .Remember that a blender can be used for everything from blending soup and making pesto to crushing ice for drinks and slushies. A griddle can be good for making breakfast pancakes and bacon but also use it for burger and dogs during rainy days inside.If you're renting, then think compact. Bring or buy an immersion blender. This is easy to pack and can be used for making everything from smoothies to dips like hummus and guacamole. A small gas griddle is a good investment. You can cook anything on it and also bring it to the beach. Rented beach houses may not have pots and pans. Try to just bring a large frying or saute pan. This can be used for any meal, from omelets at breakfast to even grilled cheese for lunch and steaks for dinner.

Being in a new town, even though you've been going to it for years , can be daunting when shopping. Get familiar with the times and days of the local farmers' market. These are the best places to go for locavore eating. Take advantage of the stands that sell tomatoes and corn, because these are the most versatile to use. Tomatoes can be stuffed or sliced, used in sauces. Corn  is not only good grilled and slathered with butter, it's also good in chowders and salads. Farmer's markets also sell homemade jams and jellies along with artesanal baked goods and sometimes fresh butter. The cakes and cookies at these may not be overly fancy but they're a nice way to end a dinner party Beach houses are often located in areas where freshly caught seafood is sold. Visit these if you're planning a clambake or entertaining guests hungry for lobster. Sometimes these markets sell already prepared dishes like shrimp cocktail or lobster salad.Buy these for your party if you want no fuss and no muss. The local grocery stores also can create party platters . Another easy idea is just serving a variety of hors d'ouevres and local wines. Many vacation spots have wineries within driving distance. Visit these for locally sourced wines and champagnes.

It's easy to throw together a getaway get together. Just remember to pack the gear you need and take advantage of local shopping. These together can make for easy , breezy parties after a day of sun and sand.