Thursday, July 28, 2022

{ Cooking Thursday - Pao de Leite Condensado (Condensed Milk Bread) }

Good morning sweet ladies, hope you're having a wonderful Thursday.

I am back this morning, tired and possibly needing copious amounts of coffee to get me through the day.  Kaia did well last night, but was getting frustrated with her onesie, so I had to keep helping her, pulling it tighter, unbunching it etc.  

She's doing so much better this morning already.  Praise the Lord!

For today's Cooking Thursday, I'm bringing you a yummy bread recipe, that is made in the blender and produces a soft, slightly sweet loaf.  It's one of our favorites around here, and I sure hope you enjoy it as well.

The recipe makes 3 or 4 loaves, depending on the size of the loaf pan you are using. 
 

Pao de Leite Condensado - Condensed Milk Bread
 
 
Ingredients
4 eggs
3 tablespoons butter (or  75 grams)
2 cups of milk (480 ml)
1 can condensed milk (395 grams)
3 tablespoons sugar (36 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (2 grams)
8 cups all purpose flour (1.120 kg)
Half a tablespoon Yeast (15 grams)
 
For glaze:
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk


Directions:
In a blender, add the eggs, butter, milk and condensed milk, and blend until well incorporated.
 
In a separate bowl, add the yeast, sugar, flour and the salt.  Remember not to let the salt and yeast touch, so that the salt does not kill off the yeast.  I always add my yeast and my salt on opposite sides of the bowl.
 
Pour the contents of the blender into a big mixing bowl.  Then start adding the flour mixture, a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.  When it becomes hard to stir, transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth but still slightly tacky.  
 
Transfer into a well oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a dish towel, and let rise for an hour or until doubled in size.
 
Punch dough down, transfer to a floured surface and cut into 4 or 3 equal parts (depending on the size of your loaf pans or if you're making 3 or 4 loaves).
 
Take each dough ball and roll out into a rectangle, do not roll too thin.  Then start rolling the dough back up, as if you were making cinnamon rolls, pinching the seam at the bottom and both sides.  I just take both sides of the dough on each end and pinch to close.  

Next, take a dough cutter or a big knife, and divide the roll of dough into equal parts.   I usually cut in half, then half again and half again, etc.  It doesn't really matter how many parts you cut it into, obviously the more cuts you make the thinner the slices will be.  I did 16 slices in each loaf, so I cut the dough into 16 equal parts.

Next, carefully lift the whole loaf up, keeping the slices together, and place into the loaf pan.

Do the same with the remaining dough balls.

Cover with a kitchen towel again and let rise for another hour or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 355 degrees.   In a small bowl, mix together 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons milk.  Brush over the prepared loaves, and then bake in the oven for 16 to 18 minutes or until brown and cooked through.  Just keep an eye out, obviously each oven is different.

Once the loaves are out of the oven, brush each with a little butter, remove from pan and let cool completely.
 
I keep my bread in a ziploc bag, and usually as with all my other bread, I keep it in the fridge so it stays longer.  
 
Enjoy!!!!




Wednesday, July 27, 2022

{ Good Dog and Best Patient Award }

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Our sweet Kaia is home and resting, thanks to our good Lord!

She came home sporting a Good Dog Bandana, given by the vet's office, for being the best patient and a really good dog.  The vet said she was a social butterfly LOL

Apparently, our Kaia was still recovering but trying to play with the other puppies and kittens that had been neutered and spayed, keeping them entertained and making them feel better.  The vet and the technicians all loved her.
 
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We opted to do a onesie instead of the Elizabethan Cone, better known as the Cone of Shame  hahaha

She did come home with the cone, but wasn't liking it at all, and a couple times walked into things.  So with the vet's approval we decided to do the onesie instead.

I must say, she has not once even attempted to look at or touch or lick her sutures, it's as if they aren't even there, but we will still keep the onesie on for the next 14 days.

The onesie we picked was the Recovery Vest.  It comes with a pocket where you insert a Lavender essential oil disk, to keep the pet calm and to help with anxiety as well.
 
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We got the large size because it was the closest to her weight range, although it is a little big on her, but it doesn't bother her at all.  It's soft thin material, and because it's not snug on her body, it doesn't rub on or snag on her sutures at all.  It also allows the skin to breathe.

She does have a slight skin irritation, and has medication for that, along with her pain meds.  But she is doing so well, she has eaten, she is drinking, she tries to play and run, but also gets tired pretty quickly and takes a lot of naps.  

Kaia had a slight temp this morning, but the vet said that's normal due to the surgery and anesthesia etc.  At the time I'm typing this post though, her temperature is back to normal.
 
The thing I'm finding the hardest, is keeping her from jumping on the bed or couch.  We pick her up and put her on, or pick her up and put her down, but there have been a few times that she just goes and does it before we even get to her.  Keeps me on my toes for sure.
 
We are just thrilled that she is home, recovering, the surgery is done and went well and now we can just concentrate on her healing. 

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Tuesday, July 26, 2022

{ Kaia went in for her spaying }

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It's been a very slow day.  I have spent it with my hubby, who is home on leave for the next 3 days.  

Early this morning, we dropped Kaia off at the vet for her spaying.  It broke my heart, and I know that may sound so ridiculous to say, but just leaving her upset me.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried on the way home.

I think it brought up a few memories of Marley.

Anyway, she didn't get to her surgery until this afternoon, and we got the call around 3:30pm letting us know she was in recovery and had done really well.  We get to pick her up tomorrow at 8:30am.  I am literally counting down the minutes hahahah

So I spent the whole day, just trying to keep my mind busy.  
 
Hubby and I went to Petsmart for some supplies for Kaia for her after care, then came home, did a little yard work, had a swim, barbecued some burgers and bratwurst and just relaxed.
 
I did hang up some clothes inside, it was so hot out, that I didn't even want to put the washing in those temperatures.
 
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Would you believe me if I told you they were all dry, in 10 minutes?  Even inside, and even though there were some towels too?  This heat is ridiculous.  
 
Anyway, I didn't take photos of anything else,  but I am going to just show you what my husband was working on.  Tomorrow I'll show you Kaia and anything else I get up to during the day.
 
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When we first moved to Texas, in 2015, my mother in law had given my husband, his dad's old smoker.  He had that smoker for so many years, and then passed away, and it was just left at his parent's house in Oklahoma.

We brought it home, and used it just a few times, but it was pretty dingy, rusted, old, the wooden board on the front was destroyed from the weather, the handles were broken etc.

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We couldn't decided what to do with it.  Thought of getting rid of it, but neither one of us could bear to do it, so the next plan was to go ahead and bring it back to life.  Give it a new coat of metal paint, new board, new wooden handles and grates.

My husband sanded it all down and removed all the rust first.  Unfortunately the grates inside were very rusted and old, so we got rid of those and will buy some new ones.

He then bought some metal black paint, and gave it a new fresh look.  He also made new wooden handles, and just needs to make a new board for the front of the smoker.  It's a work in progress but already looks so much better.

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While he was out there working on it, a butterfly just appeared out of nowhere and landed on one of the smoker's legs.  It didn't move, it stayed there the whole time my hubby was spraying the paint and working on it, only leaving when he was done for the day.

I think that was my father in law, giving his son some love and appreciation for the work he is doing on his old grill.

Very sweet to think about, isn't it?

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She is looking as good as new.  It's amazing how you can refurbish something with just a little elbow grease and a lot of love.

I can't wait to see it all finished.  We plan on having a whole barbecue area, with the smoker, our gas grill, and hopefully some cabinets of some sort for keeping all the barbecue tools.

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But it will happen slowly, because everything takes time and money, of course.

So there you go, that was my day, nothing really happened.  I'm just glad this day is done and I can look forward to tomorrow.

Have a good Tuesday night friends, I'll be back tomorrow with an update on my little girl.

Monday, July 25, 2022

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/25/2022 }

 
Good morning friends, come on in out of the heat, and grab yourselves a cup of coffee, or tea.  
 
I didn't get a post up yesterday, between church and then going to my brother's house in the afternoon, time just slipped away.  At first I was a bit frustrated because I've kept up with daily posts, but then I realized that it's ok to miss a day, probably Sundays, to take off to rest and recharge.  If I share a Sunday post from now on, that's great, but if I miss one, I am not going to let that upset me.
 
I must say, it's been such a joy getting back to blogging, visiting your blogs and interacting with you all.  I just missed that.
 
Let's get on with our post today......wishing you all a very blessed week ahead.

 
 
 
♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 
The hot temperatures continue to slam us, although God did answer prayers and brought us some rain a few days ago.  Praying for more.  Thankfully, it seems that next week we are dropping temps to the 90's, it's not much but every bit helps.    

Monday -  Mainly sunny, 105
Tuesday - Mostly Sunny, 106
Wednesday - Sunny 106
Thursday - Mostly cloudy, 102
Friday - Mostly cloudy, 99
Saturday - Isolated Thunderstorms, 95
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 99



♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥ 
Our lawns are all yellow and dying, we so desperately need rain to quench the earth.  I'm used to seeing beautiful green grass and trees, and it's quite disheartening to see everything so brown. 
 
 
 
♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 
Sitting on my bed, working on this post and watching the new season of Virgin River. 
 
 
 
♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 
Tomorrow Kaia goes in for her spaying.  To say I'm anxious is an understatement.  I'm just not ready for stress and worry due to a pet, again.  It also doesn't help that every time I step into our Vet's building, I am immediately reminded of the constant times we spent there with Marley.  I guess it's something that will probably stay with me forever.   
 
 
 
♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 
A bit tired, didn't sleep very well, kept waking up and tossing back and forth. 
 
 
 
♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 
I've had a cup of coffee with vanilla creamer, and will figure out what to eat in about an hour. 
 
 
 
♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 
I have leftover Korean Bulgogi and Rice, so will probably have that.   
 
 
 
♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 
Roast chicken legs and Macaroni Salad.
 
 
 
♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 
Comfy pink pajama set, shorts and a top. 
 
 
 
 ♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 
Reading through Isaiah in the Bible
Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies devotional. 
Janette Oke's Women of the West, book two Julia's Last Hope 

 
 
♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 
Mad About You 
Homemaking vlogs 
Becoming Elizabeth 
Season 4 Virgin River
 
 
 
♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 
 
Monday - Roast Chicken Legs, Macaroni Salad
Tuesday - Cheese and Caramelized Onion Burgers (homemade buns), waffle fries
Wednesday -  Tacos, Mexican rice
Thursday - Spaghetti Bolognese, Salad, Garlic Knots
Friday - Bola de carne (Portuguese Meat Bread)
Saturday -  Grilled Pizza
Sunday - Francesinhas, fries  (Francesinhas are a traditional sandwich dish from Porto, Portugal)



♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 
Curt has just left for work, and Jasmine will be leaving in about 2 hours.  Kaia and Elliott are asleep on the bed next to me.  
 
In the living room, I have my huge Persian rug, that I need to unroll and place back in it's spot.  I took it outside yesterday and hand washed it, then left it to dry. 

 
 
♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 
- Restocking pantry and fridge (chop up cilantro and parsley for freezer, cut up melon, wash lettuce, wash strawberries, refill pasta containers)
- Pay bills
 
 
 
♥♥  From the camera  ♥♥ 
I like taking the time each Sunday or Monday, to restock our home for the week ahead.  It takes a bit of effort, but it makes things much easier throughout the week.
 

 
 
♥♥  Devotional  ♥♥ 
Today you'll wonder if you'll have enough, or you'll tell yourself "The Lord will provide" and in faith you'll move forward.   
- New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp -


Saturday, July 23, 2022

{ Five Senses Saturday }

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It is Saturday, which means, a Five Senses Saturday post.  Boy has it been a while since I've done this one as well.

But it's Saturday, and I have been out practically all morning, on the hunt for a new range for the kitchen.  We found one, had to order it, and will be delivered August 1st.  So, 8 more days without an oven, and using my old cooktop which drives me bonkers, but, I've been able to do it until now, and before I know it I'll be cooking on my new one.  Can't.wait!!!

Because I was out all morning, I haven't really had time to take many pictures, and since I am loving doing daily posts again, I didn't want to miss today, and start messing this good thing again......besides, I love this little feature, it's always a fun way to gather all my thoughts and feelings into one post.  
 
So here are my five senses from the past week.



::  HEAR  ::

-  The pool pump working and swooshing water out, making it sound like a fountain
-  Kaia and Elliott playing in the living room
-  The hum of the air conditioner that seems to be working overtime in this triple digits
-  My husband's game in the office
-  The ticking of the keys as I type this post



::  SEE  ::

-  Elliott laying next to me on the bed, sleeping
-  The video playing on the tv
-  A pile of laundry, folded and needing to be put away
-  My current book on my nightstand
-  Bright sunshine outside the windows



::  TOUCH  ::

-  The soft blanket on my bed
-  Dough as I knead it for bread
-  Water dripping on my toes, as I water the garden
-  Pool noodle passing by me
-  Kaia and Elliott's soft furs
 


::  TASTE  ::

-  Milky tea made with my favorite Rooibos Black Tea
-  Drumstick Ice Cream on a hot day
-  Amazing grilled steak straight from the grill
-  Cold icy water with a slice of lemon
-  First sip of coffee first thing in the morning
 



::  SMELL  ::

-  Sunscreen before entering the pool
-  Barbecue food on a summer afternoon
-  Coconut scented dish soap
-  Essential oils diffusing
-  Basil freshly picked from the garden