I’ve spent most of the month of March waiting. Only five more days until we try the medial branch blocks on my back. Hopefully then we’ll have more to talk about in my kitchen. I’ve been eyeing the bread that Sally from Bewitching Kitchen makes and the other day I saw a video on ChefSteps about sourdough bread and it called for diastatic malt.
With the interwebs, there’s nothing that cannot be found and after I found it, I saw they had these nice proving baskets that will leave the swirly marks on the bread. I couldn’t decide if I wanted a skinny loaf or a round one so I bought them both.
I also bought a lame to make better slashes on my bread. To be honest, I’ve never been unhappy with my slashes but I didn’t own a lame.
Since I haven’t been able to do much while waiting for the procedure to be done on my back, I’ve made a lot of kitchen dishcloths. I don’t know if I mentioned it before but dishcloths that you’re used to using are not sold in Australia other than occasionally in a discount shop and the quality is poor. Most people buy those disposable cloths but I don’t like them.
I haven’t finished tucking in the ends or blocking them to be square. Mostly I sit on the sofa and knit. I’ve given some away and I caught one in the garbage disposal yesterday and it’s a little worse for wear. That’s what happens when you don’t pay attention.
Finally, my Charlie is all healed and ready to be clipped so all his furs are the same length. I photographed him on his good side. He looks a bit scruffy because his best friend in the whole world was here today (the pool man) and before I could catch him, Chucko was swimming the length of the pool chasing his toy. The pool guy doesn’t seem to mind but I brought the dog in so he could get his work done. He fished out 3 toys that had drowned.
If you’d like to join other food bloggers/writers in sharing what’s going on in your kitchen, simply publish your post and send me an email or leave a comment and I’ll add you to the sidebar.
Hopefully next month I’ll be fighting fit. If not, I’ll be scheduling back surgery because I’m determined to get over this. I’ve missed you.
Sorry to hear about your back Maureen. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I use cotton face clothes as dish clothes but love the idea of knitting up a few like yours. I saw the pattern on Ceia’s blog.
Have a wonderful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
PS. My Post is up for my IMK.
I hope you get a resolution to your back issues soon Maureen. Charlie sounds like my Monty, who loves both swimming and toys. I love using my bannetons to prove sourdough, the marks left on the loaf make the bread look very professional. My IMK post is up too http://pleasepasstherecipe.com/2016/04/01/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/ Have a good month 🙂
Hi Maureen,
Sorry to hear your back is not better. No wonder you have stayed away from blogging. I am in awe that you would try baking bread!
My kitchen story is here:
http://maefood.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-box-in-my-kitchen.html
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
those dish cloths look the bomb maureen. fantastic. sorry to hear your back is still not good but great to see charlie looking fit and well. Diastatic malt is new to me as is the lame. i mean i have seen them but didn’t know the name. happy slashing:) here is my post: http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2016.html
Oh your dishcloths look AMAZING. You’re a speed demon on those needles, M! Fingers crossed the block works, I’ll be thinking of you. Have fun with all the bread treasures – I use to buy malt from the beer brewing shop and stick it in my loaves, not sure if it was the right sort or not, but it was great fun to experiment. Much love to you, and best wishes for a peaceful, easy month.. xxx
I’d never heard of diastatic malt before but it was in the ingredients list at ChefSteps so I thought I’d give it a whirl. Then I saw all the other toys they had. 🙂 xxoo
Not long to go now and fingers crossed for you that it’s successful and you’re back in your kitchen before too long. My post is up https://www.plusatesix.com/2016/04/kitchen-april-2016/
That’s the first I’ve heard of diastatic malt powder. We’ve put barley malt syrup on soft pretzels, but I’ve never heard of a malt powder. Your dish clothes look lovely, seems you and Celia have been busy knitting. Happy break baking and hoping the blocks help with alleviate your back pain.
My post is up too, http://feedingmy3sons.com/2016/04/01/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/#more-3363
Just noticed my link didn’t make it to the side bar. Let me know if the link is broken please and I’ll send it again.
Hello Maureen, I hope the procedure puts you back in fighting order again. Living with constant pain is so devastating.
Love to story of Charlie and the pool man, it was a wonderful image.
I missed everyone last month, here is my post:
http://spadesspatulasandspoons.com/2016/04/01/april-2016-in-my-kitchen/
All the best, Liz
Maureen, all the best with the procedure. You won’t need dish cloths any time soon.
Hi Maureen
Here is my monthly post. I hope all is well.
https://passionfruitgarden.com/2016/04/09/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/
Hope the medical branch blocks work! When we had a pool, one of our cats would lean in to get a drink. Once or twice she fell in — not a happy kitty! This is a cat that loved water otherwise, though. She’d often hop into the (empty) tub in the guest bath (only bathroom that had a tub), and insist a drizzle of water be run so she could drink. 🙂
Our pool has a beach end and our cats don’t go near it. They don’t like water other than what’s in their bowl. 🙂
Wow,what an awesome selection of dish cloths
Here is my IMK link. thank you for hosting.
http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/april-in-my-kitchen.html
It’s amazing how many dish cloths you made, I am impressed! Wishing you the very best with your procedure.
I’ve heard of the malt as being a help in getting a good rise, especially in sourdough bread but don’t really have an urgent desire to get any. On the other hand, I’m envious of both your bannetons and your lame. Not enough to consider spending money for them as they’re not a ‘need’ just a ‘want’ and not on any forseeable future budget plans. But I would like them. 🙂
Sweet shot of Charlie. I’m picturing him looking out at his friend and the pool with longing.
Good luck with the back progress Maureen. Think you had better set up an Easy store to sell a few dishcloths 🙂
Good luck with the back progress Maureen. Think you had better set up an Etsy store to sell a few dishcloths 🙂
LOL the way the kitchen looks after John cooks, I might need every single one of them. 🙂
And we’ve missed you too, Maureen.
Well done on the dish cloths! I tarted one in November, got half way through and then tidied the knitting away one day and forgot about it. Must get it out again.
Dear Maureen, I’ve been wondering how you are getting along and have missed your presence… will be thinking of you… do hope they get things sorted. Take care. xxx
Do hope the medial branch blocks work . . . . only five days to go . . . shall be keeping my fingers crossed and hope your futures follow Charlie’s 🙂 !
Back issues are the worst; so sorry to hear you’re suffering. Here’s to resolution…no matter what it takes!
Love those baskets; I need some of those too. I don’t make a lot of bread but I do want to try some in one of them one day.
Feel better!!
I’m really keen to give making my own bread a go – although there are so many lovely bakers down here in Canberra {I know it would be more economical to make it myself}. Here is my link up for this month: http://goodfoodweek.com.au/2016/04/life-whats-in-my-kitchen-11/
There is nothing worse than a back injury/back pain. Having been there for more than 6 months I can feel your pain. I will keep you in my prayers. I hope and pray the the medial branch blocks work, Maureen. You have the coolest and most colorful dish cloths of any one I know.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers until I next hear that you are A+.
Thanks! I bought cotton yarn in every color they offered. 🙂
I am loving those proving baskets Maureen, haven’t seen anything like them before!
Waiting. It rougher than it looks. You’re smart to keep your hands busy and your kitchen to do list full for when the time is right. I’ve considered buying a lame, but I only think about it when I’m getting ready to score a loaf and by the time I get back to my computer to order one the impulse has left me. Look forward to hearing if it is a must-have.
Hi Maureen, wishing you all the best with you back, I can’t even imagine the pain you must be in.
Love the proving baskets for bread, they are beautiful and although I’ve never heard of a lame before would now like one, love kitchen gadgets.
Sounds like Charlie keeps you on your toes, what a love.
Take care. Cheri
Ha, ha…”happy slashing”! Now l’ve heard everything. Yes, a proper lame is essential but l have had success with just a razor blade, even an X-acto blade.
I really, really hope the back fix works for you Maureen, sorry you have had to go through the ongoing pain too.
You knit dish cloths like a pro, do you use a certain type wool or material? What works best? I would much prefer something I can wash and reuse, rather than sending to landfill.
And good to see Charlie is doing well too. 🙂
I use cotton yarn from Bendigo Mills. They wash beautifully and the nubby bits are good for scrubbing. 🙂
I’ve missed you Maureen! So sorry you’ve had to go through all this. Hope John is doing better.
Can’t wait to see the beautiful bread that will be emerging from your kitchen.
Love all your vibrant hued wash clothes. You’ve put your time to good use! My aunt used to make those and I loved them even though regular washcloths are easy to find here.
My prayers are with you Maureen…Hope the procedure will have you “back” in the swing of things in no time =) The containers for the bread are amazing…And your kitchen towels are very impressive indeed. (Not only do you cook, you knit! Is there something you don’t do?) =)
Here’s the Ninja Baker’s #InMyKitchen <3
http://ninjabaker.com/node/840
Good luck with the back procedure Maureen. I hope you get immense improvement!
Those containers and the lame are impressive…I am the similar to you while shopping – I’m not disappointed with what I have already, but I don’t have one of THOSE yet! Haha 🙂
Your dishcloths look lovely. I wish I could knit. I always see other IMK-ers talking about their knitted dishcloths and I get envious. I second the Etsy idea!!
Here’s my IMK post: http://www.withafork.com/2016/04/whats-in-my-kitchen-april-2016.html
All the best with your procedure Maureen, back problem are certainly unpleasant to live with so I hope it all goes well. Gosh, every time I read IMK posts I am inspired to bake bread more except the problem in my house is that we (or I) will eat an entire loaf that day, instead of having it last a bit longer. But those proving baskets are so pretty! I have my April IMK post up at http://www.veganopoulous.com/2016/04/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/
It’s not your year so far is it Maureen. Let’s hope it is uphill from here.
https://napolirestaurantalert.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/
I sure hope your treatment is successful, it’s horrible to have pain all the time. I’m so excited to participate in your In My Kitchen this month, thank you!
I had forgotten to mention that those proving baskets are on my list of things to get during our visit to Europe in the fall.
I’ve missed you too Maureen and can’t wait till you are back fighting fit. I’ll keep my fingers crossed the procedure on your back happens soon xxx
Hi Maureen, I’m pulling for you! And interesting note about the dish cloths. Interesting the simple things we take for granted that just don’t exist in other places!
I love those dishcloths – I tried my hand at knitting last winter and have been wanting to pick it up again. I hope the procedure brings you relief and the pain finally subsides. Thanks for your wonderful posts, no matter how far and few in between they are always a joy to read.
We’ve missed you to Maureen! Sending healing thoughts…xx
Cool dishcloths! Here’s wishing you the best with the medial branch blocks. Our son had spinal fusion surgery a couple of months ago, he’s doing great and hopefully over his back, etc. problems. Take care
Good luck with your back Maureen! Your dishcloths look fabulous! I wish I could knit!
My kitchen story for this month is here: http://thoughtsofamoni.blogspot.in/2016/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2016.html
I really hope that the medial branch blocks do their job and improve your quality of life Maureen! So sorry to hear about how limiting your pain has been. As for your post, I would honestly buy those dishcloths. They look so much better than any of the disposable ones at the store, plus they’re way better for the environment. I can imagine the gorgeous lines on your sourdough loaves from the new dishes too 🙂
My IMK post is now live: http://laurasmess.me/2016/04/06/in-my-kitchen-april/
Sending you the best of wishes and healing prayers xxx
Hi Maureen, can you please add my post to the link up? Just checking you’ve seen my post! Thanks x
Of course, I miss you in the blogosphere but totally understand the need to take some time off to take care of yourself…
I should have left a comment earlier but better late than never!
thank you for the kind link back to my bread, what a nice surprise that was…
thinking of you and hoping you will get the right treatment to feel great like you deserve!
Hi Maureen:)
I do hope you are on the mend. Fingers crossed:)
If I were a bread baker, I wouldn’t be able to resist those bowls either. Heck, even though I’m not, they sure are cool to have in my kitchen, lol…
Marion is forever crocheting dish towels. It’s amazing how well they work. Love all your colorful creations!
I’ve had such fun visiting many of the IMK posts, thank you for hosting, Maureen. Here’s mine for this month. I hope I did it right.
http://www.monthsofediblecelebrations.com/2016/04/in-my-kitchen-cookbook-wednesday.html
Thanks so much for sharing, Maureen. Feel better real soon:)
Hi Maureen, Nice stuff in your kitchen! I also would like to share my post with In My Kitchen. Here’s the link: http://the-veghog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/returning-home-souvenirs-and-eat-your.html The VegHog
I’m sorry to hear the medial back blockers haven’t worked. I do wonder what the solution is. I do hope there’s a cure that doesn’t require surgery. I’m glad to see Charlie is better – all three of you have had your share of health issues this year. How lovely that the pool man loves Charlie. I know what you mean about help in the kitchen! Now that I’m at uni I’m getting more ‘help’ in the kitchen but some ‘help’ is very underwhelming! I love all your knitting xx
Need any dishcloths?? 🙂 Nothing left to try other than surgery. I’ve done acupuncture, dry needling, osteopath, physiotherapy, massage and exercise. It ain’t from lack of trying.
Maureen, between your back and my shoulder (or rather the reverse), we ought to be able to get just about any job done! 😀 Get better soon. I have a good lame, but I make better slashes with my razor sharp paring knife.
Between the two of us, we’d make one helluva good person 🙂
Hi, Thanks for hosting. I’m discovering your blog thanks to Vicki. I love this serie and start this month. I hope you get better very soon. Love from France. xx cathy
http://peregrinationgourmande.com/in-my-kitchen/
I was just hunting in my pantry for diastolic malt when I made some pretzel rolls last week—none to be found! I think I may need a lame, too 🙂 Hope your surgery is over and done with soon and you’re on your way to a full recovery. xo
Haven’t started. I’ve gone through the last thing “to try” before surgery. Seeing the neurosurgeon next Thursday to schedule the surgery. fingers crossed. 🙂
Hi Maureen,
I hope you are feeling better. I made the IMK post this month, sorry to have missed last month. I just posted at http://www.cookswithevie.com. Hope you can stop by for a visit!
I’m not sure what happened to my first comment a few days ago but it must have got eaten! All the best with your procedure, I do hope that you are on the mend quickly. I’m amazed at all the gadgets that can go with bread making, I’ve yet to try it but I will soon! I’d never though to make my own dishcloths but you are very industrious. I’ve been using a special microfibre one that you only need to spray water on the surface and it cleans really well then can wash in the machine when required.
My post for this month is here http://www.boiledeggsandsoldiers.com/2016/04/in-my-kitchen/
All the best to feeling better soon x
Hi Maureen,
Since my IMK post last week, I have something else really new: an extra spice shelf and new jars and above all, more organization. I don’t know if we are allowed two IMK posts in one month but here it is anyway:
http://maefood.blogspot.com/2016/04/extending-my-spice-shelf.html
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
As a post script, I love that you are knitting dish cloths!
Oooh, and here is my post http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/blog/in-my-kitchen-april-2016
Hi Maureen,
I wish my knitting would progress past scarves!
Emma
Hi Maureen,
Amazed at the dishcloths. Love something that last longer rather than disposable. I personally never heard the diastatic malt puree before – good luck.
Keep well.
Maureen, I too have some new proving baskets. They were a birthday surprise! Hope you won’t have your back pain for much longer.
Here is my IMK post.
https://invisiblespice.wordpress.com/
I hope it is not too much work for you, many thanks
Fingers crossed for improvement in your back health and some nice time in the kitchen – looks like you are all prepared for bread baking! And I have never seen knitted dishcloths – seems a nice idea though I have a thing about needing to wring out my dishcloths well and wonder if they hold too much water.
I have written my In My Kitchen post for this month – just got it in this month as it has been a crazy time of lots of travels – http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2016-edinburgh.html
I have a few proving baskets now Maureen and I absolutely love them. Mostly as I am actually really bad at free form loaves. I am also pretty bad at slashing. Maybe I should invest in a lame as well. That is also a very impressive pile of dishcloths.
I hope that the back pain is improving, and that surgery isn’t required.
I have posted my IMK post here http://thecookspyjamas.com/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/
Hope all goes well with your back procedure Maureen and take care of yourself. May I ask what happens with the blocks on your back? Where did you get your bread proovers from? I’ve been trying to find some but they’re so expensive in stores. Here’s my post #IMK https://missfoodfairy.com/2016/04/10/in-my-kitchen-april-2016/
Knitted dishcloths are a wonder. I have a couple of Celia’s. I haven’t tried bread slashing yet but I love new gadgets ? I hope you are feeling much improved soon. I posted an IMK late last night. https://elladeewords.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/in-my-kitchen-fellowship/
Lots of luck for your back Maureen – I will keep my fingers crossed that the procedure does what you want it to and goes smoothly. In the meantime, I am impressed with your dishcloth making, and you’re right, they don’t make dishcloths like that in Australia! I’ve not seen them before.
I’ve just posted my April IMK post, at http://www.bitesizedthoughts.com/2016/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2016.html 🙂
Oh Maureen I really hope you feel better soon! You have had such a terrible run lately.
I laughed at you not being able to decided on the loaf basket or the round one. That sounds so much like me!
Thanks so much for sharing
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
I too hope you will be fighting fit very soon. Love the bread proofing baskets, I can see some beautiful bread in your future.
Poor you, sorry to hear about your back and I hope you’ll get better soon.
I am sorry to hear about your back Maureen, sounds awful. 🙁 I hope you will feel better soon.
Where did you get those baskets? I have seen them before but I never considered them for bread baking to give a spiral design. Sounds interesting. Charlie looks smashing as always.
I bought them from a bread ingredient company. Want one?
I hope you will be on the mend soon! Can’t wait to see how that bread turns out with your new lame! Who knew that you couldn’t get dishcloths there? I prefer the ones like you make anyway! Get well soon and I hope Charlie gets to see his friend again soon.
Wow now that is one huge pile of dish clothes. You are very creative. By any chance did you have a chance to read that book I mentioned. I know after you try everything else sometimes this is the road to recovery. There is hope so do not loose hope. Best wishes to you my friend!
Wow hand-knitted dishcloths! They look so pretty! Am looking forward to seeing your beautiful banneton-proved breads. Wishing you a very speedy recovery. I hope you’re “back” to your old self soon.
I’m sorry to hear that your back is still not better, Maureen. Hopefully soon. Your dishcloths look awesome. I can’t believe they don’t sell them in Australia!
Dear Maureen,
I hope that your back is feeling better real soon. I am sorry you have not been feeling well.
My little dog loves to swim too.
I was just talking about making some homemade bread myself. Those bread pans you bought will make beautiful loaves of bread. I would have bought them both too. I think they both will make beautiful loaves of bread.
I hope you feel better very soon.
xo Catherine
xo Catherine