Danish Braid: Daring Baker Style

This months Daring Baker challenge was to create a Danish Braid. This challenge was presented to us by Kelly of Sass and Veracity and Ben of Whats Cookin'

I have made puff pastry dough before so I was a little familiar with the process. I made the dough on a particularly hot day, which I am sure complicated things for me, but thats how I am-- things are always a tad complicated. My Detrempe (dough) turned out a little sticky so I added some extra flour. I was worried that adding more flour would me the dough tough, so I was quite careful in the amount I added. It probably could have used a little more flour in the dough, as it remained a little sticky throughout the folding process (but a bench scraper helped me keep it rom sticking to my marble board) . Next I made the Beurrage or butter block and spread it on the wonderfully scented dough. The dough require several "book" style folds. I made sure my dough was really cold especially since our house was quite toasty.

Late in the evening I sauteed up some apples and chilled them down so they would be ready for the next day. I rolled out the dough and filled it with the apple mixture. The heat of the house was a perfect rising environment for my braid. I let it proof for about 2 hours and then popped it in the oven while my husband was away on some errands.

By the time he was back a yummy Danish Braid was waiting. He cut off a hunk and declared--- "did you taste this crust"? I am sure that he had no idea how I created all those flaky layers, but thats why I love him.

I had a great time preparing this recipe, and am going to use the other half of the dough to make another one to send into Hubby's work. I think his fellow parole officers will enjoy it. But, the next time I make a laminated dough will be in some cooler temperatures!

One Year Anniversary

Ah... was it a year ago? Well my wonderful husband and I are approaching our one year anniversary--- So many things have happened in the recent past. It feels like we have moved a million times! First we had to sell Hubby's Condo, then move into my apartment- then endure the horrible commute to work while we looked for a house. The house hunt was horrible, lasting or months and months- meanwhile I got a new job in a great school district and was busy planning the wedding. We finally found a great house after putting many offers on the "ones that got away". Then came the wedding. We were married on the cheesiest day ever to marry 7/7/07 (at 7 pm---- I was 27). I am kinda anti-wedding and have a hard time rationalizing spending tens of thousands of dollars on one day. I tried to keep things simple. We were married at the Greenbank Mill in Wilmington Delaware. We had the wonderful ceremony in the meadow accompanying the Mill and the reception was inside. We had a great Bluegrass trio that really set the tone for the rustic vibe I was going for.

The wedding was small about 45 people, which I felt was a perfect number. We had great BBQ food-- Ribs, Chicken, grilled veggies, sliced BBQ Beef and grilled fruit. Everyone said it was the best wedding food ever. I made all the decorations--- paper source paper flowers, there were party poppers at each table, wax lips, and bibs for everyone to wear.

The cake was great. I got what I liked; chocolate cake with chocolate filling! Tough luck if you don't like chocolate, its my wedding! I was deeeee-licious.

I was exhausted and exhilarated at the same time (is that possible?) It was a wonderful day with a wonderful man! (and alot of craaaaaaaaazy Hubbards)

Pool Blue Topper

Here is the first picture of my newest topper! This one has lots of interesting details requested by the couple. The groom has an elaborate outfit--- a tan suit with a blue and white striped shirt on. He also has a grey sweater vest and a green tie.

The bride has a white dress with some pleating at the bodice. The interesting thing about her gown is that it has "pool" blue details. There is a band of blue material on the bottom edge of her dress (you can't see it too well in the pictures but its there on the topper). She also has a veil trimmed with blue around the edges.

I have included the Space needle to represent the couple's hometown, as well as their cute little dog.

The main colors of this wedding are pool blue, green, white and perhaps a few splashes of orange. I am thinking about putting in a few bright orange blossoms in the flower arrangement at the base of the topper.