So, here we are, living in our second home in the Pacific Northwest, where everyone has “threatened” that “the rains will come”ever since we arrived here in late July. So, today, “the rains have started,” as they say here.
When it rains here, it is not like rain in Missouri. Yes, I know, God sends the rain on the just and the unjust. But he sends a different kind of rain in different parts of the world. In Missouri, we would have gotten up this morning, looked out the patio door, and said, “It must have rained last night.” We would’ve said it that way because there was, at that time, no visible rain. But, there was rain. It was just such a fine mist that it was not recognizable as “coming down.” In Missouri, when it is raining, you can see the rain. Coming down. And, there might even be thunder accompanying.
This is hilarious. I’m typing this in my studio, I can hear a light drizzle outside. AS I WAS TYPING the last sentence of the above paragraph, I could hear a rumble of thunder! Go figure!
It hasn’t rained here (except for a few minutes of mist, about twice) since we arrived late July. So, this must be the start of “the rainy season.” Perfect day for Homemade Soup and Homemade Bread.
My very favorite bread machine is by Zojirushi. I have owned this brand for at least 10 years and have always used it just on the dough cycle (to knead and then the first rise). But I wanted to try my new “Honey and Buttermilk Bread” recipe (already successfully used for rolls) to make a loaf, for a change.
I set it on dark crust, and it was the most delicious loaf bread EVER!
One of our very favorite homemade soups is Italian Sausage and Black-Eyed Pea Soup (recipe from my mother).
Missing our Washington family right now, as they are in Nicaragua on a mission trip. But, for just the two of us, this is a great lunch, enjoyed while watching post-season baseball (YAY, Missouri teams).
Go Cardinals!!
Both recipes can be accessed through the Recipes tab at the top of the page, or by clicking here. I am also including both recipes within this post.
Recipe: Italian Sausage and Black-eyed Peas Soup
- 1 pound Italian sausage ( I like Johnsonville Mild), cooked, crumbled and drained
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 - 14 ½ ounce cans black-eyed peas (do not drain)
- 1 - 14 ½ ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 16 oz chicken broth (or 1 can)
- 1/2 tsp Tabasco Sauce
- 1 T balsamic vinegar
- 2 t basil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Cook sausage in large skillet. Set aside. In Dutch Oven, sauté raw vegetables in olive oil until tender. Add remaining ingredients and sausage to vegetables. Simmer for 30 minutes.
(recipe from Mother)
Recipe: Honey Buttermilk Bread
Use the bread machine to knead and rise the bread (first rise). *Or use for entire baking process, if desired.
In bucket of bread machine, put these ingredients, in order:
¾ cup buttermilk
½ cup water
1 T butter
3 T honey
3 cups bread flour
1 ½ tsp salt (sprinkle over the flour)
2 tsp yeast (make a well on top of the flour, for the yeast)
If making into rolls and baking outside the bread machine:
Put the bread machine on dough cycle. After that cycle completes, turn the dough onto a bread board and either shape into a loaf to bake as a loaf, or divide into 12 balls for rolls.
Cover with cloth. Let rise about an hour.
Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes or until brown.
*If making the entire loaf in the bread machine:
Suggested: set the crust for dark.
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