Susie My Love

Dear Susie,

Oh how I love thee. Thank you for your years of service...13 to be exact. You have never failed me. You have called out my name when I have forgotten how wonderful you are. Shame on those others who have discarded you as if you were a piece of trash. How can they devalue you like that? I have seen a pricetag of $2 on some of your family members. I once saw your Grandma go for $.50! The disgrace you must have felt. Do not worry sweet one you are mine forever. I thank my mother who first introduced you to me when I was in college. It was then that I fell in love with you. There will be no other...you will forever make the best bread my lips have tasted.

Signed, Infarrantly Creative

Do not throw that bread machine away! Do you not know what a treasure they are? I use Susie at least once a week. I think I have used her 5 times this week. MAKING BREAD IN A BREAD MACHINE IS SO EASY...and cheap...and yummy! In case I haven't convinced you maybe this will.

Jo's Rosemary Bread - courtesy of Allrecipes.com

• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select white bread cycle; press Start. I actually do mine on the rapid setting and it works fine. It tastes like Macaroni Grill's bread. I serve it with olive oil and some iItalian spices. I could eat a whole loaf myself.

Soft Pretzels - Your kids will love you

1 cup water (70-80 degrees)
2 tablespoons water (70-80 degrees)
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
8 cups water
1/2 cup baking soda
coarse salt

1. Place first five ingredients in order listed in the breadmaker.
2. Select dough setting.
3. When cycle is complete, turn dough on floured surface.
4. Divide dough into 8 balls and shape into a pretzel shape.
5. In saucepan, bring water and baking soda to a boil.
6. Drop pretzels into water two and at a time.
7. Boil for 10-15 second and drain on paper towels
8. Place pretzels on greased baking sheets.
9. Bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Spritz with water and sprinkle with coarse salt

To-Die-For Bread Rolls

1 tablespoon yeast
4 cups regular or bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup scalded milk (I put it in microwave for 2 minutes)
3 large beaten eggs
1 stick softened butter

1. Set the bread machine on dough setting.
2. When done let dough sit in the machine for about a half of an hour to rest.
3. Lightly flour your hands and shape them into balls.
4. Bake at 325 for 8-10 minutes. Brush with butter when they come out.

Note: After you bake them you can also freeze them. I will microwave them or reheat them in the oven

Pull out that bread machine...don't let it collect dust any longer. It is a treasure I tell ya...I am off to enjoy my Ham and Cheese Loaf right now...thanks Susie.