The Easiest Way to Wake Up to Artisan Bread: Overnight Cheddar Loaf

There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. But who has time to babysit dough all day? This Artisan Cheddar Overnight Loaf is the answer to your bread-loving prayers.

Effortless Elegance:

This recipe takes the concept of "set it and forget it" to a whole new level. Simply mix the ingredients together before bed, let the dough work its magic while you sleep, and wake up to a beautiful golden loaf ready to slice.

Flavor in Every Bite:

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful richness and tang to this artisan bread. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and wheaty, with a satisfyingly chewy texture.

The Perfect Pairing:

This bread is a true chameleon. Enjoy it warm from the oven with a smear of butter for a simple yet satisfying breakfast. It also makes for the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or a cheese board.

Beyond Cheddar:

While the cheddar cheese adds a classic touch, feel free to experiment with different flavors! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Herb Heaven: Add a vibrant mix of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a burst of freshness.
• Spicy Surprise: Kick things up a notch with diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Nutty Twist: For a touch of texture and richness, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.

Knead No More:

This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants delicious homemade bread without the hassle. With minimal effort, you can create a loaf that looks like it came straight out of a fancy bakery.

So ditch the store-bought bread and embrace the ease of overnight artisan bread. This Cheddar loaf is the perfect way to elevate your meals and impress your friends and family with your baking skills – all thanks to a little planning and a whole lot of flavor.

Artisan Dutch Oven Cheddar Bread

Ingredients:

3 c flour

1 1/2 c warm water 

1 package of rapid rise yeast

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

a pinch of salt

Pour flour into a large mixing bowl.

Add salt, yeast and cheese to the flour. 

Stir to incorporate the ingredients.

Pour in warm water. The ideal temperature for yeast is no hotter than 110 degrees. A good way to tell if your water is too hot is to test it as you would a baby bottle.

Stir to mix. 

The dough will be sticky and shaggy.

There is no need to knead this dough. Let it sit on the counter to rise. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

You can let this dough rise for as little as 2 hours, or as long as 10 hours.

When you are ready to bake the bread, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Butter a dutch oven lightly around the bottom and the sides near the bottom of the dish.

Bake the dutch oven, with no dough for 30 minutes.

Keep in mind, the dutch oven will be HOT! Remove it from the oven.

With a mixing spoon, plop the dough out of the bowl and right into the hot dutch oven.

Smooth the dough around with the mixing spoon so it covers the bottom.

Stick the lid on it and bake at 425 for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the crust is golden and crisp.

Allow the bread to cool in the dutch oven for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove from the dutch oven and slice.

Enjoy with butter if desired. 

This bread slices beautifully; a pro tip is when you are ready to slice, flip the loaf upside down and slice with a serrated knife.

This bead is best enjoyed within 3 days. Store the leftovers in an airtight container.

Find other favorite recipes here:

Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls

Best Dinner Rolls

Coco Puffs French Toast

Essential Home Upgrades for a Better Night's Sleep

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A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining both your health and well-being. In urban cities, achieving quality rest can sometimes be even more challenging due to factors such as noise, lighting, and even your mattress. 

By making thoughtful upgrades to your home, you can significantly enhance the quality of your sleep, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. 

Whether you’ve rented out an apartment in a bustling city or live in a two-story home in a quiet town, here are some essential home improvements to consider for a better night's sleep.

Upgrade Your Mattress for Comfort and Support

One of the most critical elements in ensuring a good night's sleep is having the right mattress. Over time, a mattress can lose its shape and support, which may lead to restless nights and discomfort, particularly in your neck and back. 

Many people overlook the importance of their mattress in achieving proper rest, but if yours is no longer offering adequate support, it may be time to invest in a new one.

A mattress suited to your specific needs—whether it's firmer or softer—can dramatically improve your sleep quality. Factors like mattress material, size, and firmness all contribute to how well it supports your body. 

Memory foam mattresses, for instance, are known for their ability to mould to your body's shape, while hybrid mattresses combine springs and foam to offer a balanced level of support.

It's crucial to know when to change your mattress, and in our fast-paced lives, being mindful of this can make all the difference. Generally, mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, but this can depend on your usage and personal comfort. Signs like sagging, lumpiness, or waking up with aches are key indicators that it's time for an upgrade.

Improve Your Bedroom's Lighting

Lighting is a significant factor in creating a sleep-friendly environment. Exposure to bright or blue-toned lights in the evening can throw off your natural body clock, making it difficult to wind down. Upgrading your lighting system is a simple but highly effective way to foster better sleep.

Consider installing dimmable lights or smart lighting that allows you to adjust brightness throughout the day. In the evenings, softer, warm lighting can help signal to your body that it's time to relax. Avoid using harsh lighting that mimics daylight, as it can disrupt melatonin production. 

Smart bulbs, which can be controlled via mobile apps, are an excellent option for gradually dimming the lights as bedtime approaches.

Blackout curtains are another great investment as they help block out external light from street lamps, taxis, or early morning sunshine, creating a darker, more peaceful environment to promote better sleep. 

Upgrade Your Bedding and Pillows

Beyond your mattress, your bedding and pillows also play a vital role in your sleep quality. If you wake up with neck or shoulder discomfort, it may be time to reconsider your pillow choices. Your pillow should support your head and neck in a way that aligns with your spine, reducing tension and improving overall comfort.

Different sleep positions require different types of pillows. For example, side sleepers might benefit from a firmer, loftier pillow, while back sleepers often find that a flatter pillow provides better support. 

Memory foam pillows have become increasingly popular due to their ability to contour to your sleeping position, offering a personalised sleep experience.

When it comes to bedding, fabrics like cotton or bamboo are ideal for regulating body temperature, ensuring that you stay comfortable throughout the night. Opting for high-thread-count sheets feels luxurious and prevents overheating, a common sleep disruptor. 

Control the Temperature in Your Bedroom

Maintaining a cool room temperature is key to a restful night's sleep. Most sleep experts agree that the ideal bedroom temperature is between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius. In cities with varying climates, controlling the temperature of your room can sometimes be tricky, but there are upgrades that can help.

Smart thermostats are an excellent way to regulate the temperature in your home, especially for people living in modern flats with central heating systems. These thermostats can be controlled via apps, allowing you to set the ideal temperature before bedtime. 

Additionally, devices like fans or portable air conditioners can be useful during summer months when temperatures rise.

In the winter, electric blankets or heated mattress pads can provide warmth without making the room stuffy. By keeping your bedroom temperature consistent, you'll find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Upgrade Your Noise Control

Noise can be one of the biggest disruptors of sleep. Whether it's the hum of traffic, the sound of people out late at night, or even your neighbours, unwanted noise can make it difficult to settle into sleep.

To tackle noise issues, you could invest in soundproofing for your bedroom walls or installing double-glazed windows, which can significantly reduce external sound. If that's not an option, a simpler solution might be to use a white noise machine or sound-absorbing curtains, which help drown out disruptive noises.

For those living in more bustling areas, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones designed for sleep can also be effective solutions. These gadgets provide peace and quiet, allowing you to relax in a tranquil environment.

Incorporate Aromatherapy for Better Sleep

Aromatherapy can enhance your bedroom environment and promote better sleep. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are known for their calming properties and can help create a relaxing atmosphere before bed. Integrating these scents into your routine is easy with essential oils, linen sprays, or scented candles.

Diffusers are a popular option, allowing you to fill your bedroom with your favourite calming scents while you prepare for sleep. The aromatherapy experience can mimic the soothing feel of a spa, helping you unwind and prepare for rest.

Incorporating these scents into your nightly routine can be especially beneficial for those dealing with the fast pace of city life. As you transition from a busy day in the city to a quiet evening, the power of scent can help create a peaceful sanctuary in your home.

All in all, upgrading your home for better sleep is a worthwhile investment, especially for those who live in urban cities and lead busy and sometimes stressful lives. From changing your mattress to incorporating smart lighting and noise control, these essential home upgrades can transform your bedroom into a restful oasis. By making these small but impactful changes, you can achieve deeper, more restorative sleep and wake up ready to take on another day.

Corked Stamped Corn Craft

 

More Than Just Brushes: The Fun and Learning of Painting with Unconventional Tools

Painting is a beloved activity for kids, but it can sometimes feel limited to just brushes and paint palettes. Here's a secret: there's a whole world of creative exploration waiting to be discovered with everyday objects like wine corks! In fact, incorporating unconventional tools like corks into your child's next art project can be both fun and educational.

This is such a fun project for little ones, and the results are simply stunning. You will love adding this cork stamped corn art to your refrigerator.

Why Unconventional Tools?

• Sensory Play: Wine corks provide a unique texture for little hands to explore. The cork's bumpy surface creates interesting marks on the paper, adding a new dimension to sensory play, which is crucial for early childhood development.

• Fine Motor Skills: Grasping and maneuvering a cork requires focus and hand-eye coordination. This strengthens the small muscles in the hand and wrist, which are vital for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.

• Problem-Solving: Using a non-traditional tool like a cork encourages kids to think outside the box. They'll experiment with different ways to hold the cork, apply pressure, and achieve desired effects on the paper.

• Creativity Boost: Stepping away from the standard brush opens the door to a world of artistic possibilities. Kids can create unique textures, patterns, and shapes with the cork, fostering their creativity and imagination.

The Case for the Corked Indian Corn

Your corked stamped Indian corn craft is a perfect example of the magic of unconventional tools. It combines the classic appeal of a seasonal craft with the exciting exploration of using a cork for stamping. This project allows kids to:

• Learn About Nature: Indian corn, with its vibrant colors and unique shapes, can spark conversations about nature and harvest traditions.

• Practice Colors: Painting the corn provides an opportunity to explore different colors and how they mix together.

• Develop Pattern Recognition: The repetitive stamping with the cork creates a pattern, helping kids develop basic pattern recognition skills.

Supplies:

Paint in red, orange, yellow, green and brown colors.

A paper plate

A cork

Paper

Directions
Pour a quarter size dab of paint in each color onto a paper plate.
Using a cork, begin to shape the green husk of the corn. To make it easy

for little ones, you could ask them to stamp the shape of a U onto the paper. 

Now, ask the artists to begin stamping, using one color at a time, to fill in the ear of corn. Ask your artist to use each color several times.

Allow to dry and display.

Beyond the Cork:

Wine corks are just the tip of the iceberg! There are endless possibilities when it comes to unconventional painting tools. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Nature's Paintbrushes: Use leaves, pinecones, or even feathers to create unique textures and shapes.
• Kitchen Creativity: Spoons, forks, and even rubber spatulas can be transformed into fun painting tools.
• Recycled Fun: Give plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, or even bubble wrap a new life as creative painting tools.

So next time you're planning a painting activity with your kids, ditch the traditional brushes and explore the world of unconventional tools. You might be surprised at the fun, learning, and creativity that unfolds!

Find more cool crafts for kids here:

Hungry Caterpillar Process Art

Cork and Button Apple Trees

Sunflower Stamped Apples

Sweet Fritter Recipes

 

Sweet Dreams are Made of Fritters: Delicious Treats for Any Occasion

Fritters: those fluffy, golden pillows of fried dough aren't just for savory snacks! This post celebrates the delightful world of sweet fritters, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or adding a touch of whimsy to brunch or dessert.

Beyond the Donut: A Fritter History

Fritters have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. These early versions were often simple, made with basic ingredients like flour, water, and honey. Over time, cultures around the world embraced the fritter, adding their own unique flavors and variations. From Italian zeppole to Japanese sakura mochi, fritters offer a glimpse into global sweet treats.

The Sweet Fritter Formula

The beauty of sweet fritters lies in their adaptability. They share a similar foundation to savory fritters: a base of flour, a binding agent (like eggs), and leavening (like baking powder or yeast). But here, sugar takes center stage, creating treats that are both light and satisfyingly sweet.

Fritter Fantasia: A World of Sweet Inspiration

The possibilities for sweet fritters are truly endless! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Fruity Fun: Fresh berries, chopped apples, bananas, or peaches add bursts of juicy sweetness. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also be incorporated.
• Chocolate Cravings: Chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate elevate your fritters to decadent heights.
• Nutty Delights: Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch and richness.
• Spice It Up: A hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• The Perfect Pairing: Dust your fritters with powdered sugar, drizzle them with maple syrup or honey, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.

Frittering Tips for Triumph

• Ripeness Matters: Use ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture. Softer fruits like berries can be mixed in, while firmer fruits like apples might need to be chopped or grated.
• Temperature is Key: Don't overheat your oil! Aim for a medium temperature to ensure even cooking without burning the outside.
• Drainage is Delightful: For fruits with high water content, consider draining any excess juice before adding them to the batter to prevent soggy fritters.
• Golden Goodness: Just like with savory fritters, maintain a golden brown color for perfect texture and don't overcrowd the pan.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary world of sweet fritters! With a little creativity and these helpful tips, you'll be whipping up delightful treats that will have everyone asking for more.

Here are some of my favorite sweet fritter recipes from around the web. Be sure to click thru the links to view the full recipes.

Homemade Banana Fritters by Small Town Woman

Apple Ring Fritters by Tikkido

Fritules  by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Crispy Banana Fritters by In the Kids Kitchen

Glazed Apple Fritters by Love from the Oven

Mock Apple Fritter Bread by Low Carb Yum

Maple Glazed Fritter Waffles by 3 Boys and a Dog

Sweet Potato Apple Fritters by Kidgredients

Apple Fritters by Sugar Spun Run

Peach Fritters by Hearth and Vine

Blueberry Fritters with Vanilla Glaze by Tao of Spice

Air Fryer Fritters by Fantabulosity 

Find more favorite recipes here:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies Crumbl Copycat

Mason Jar Lasagna 

Apple Process Art

It's that time of year again - leaves are changing, pumpkins are popping up everywhere, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun fall craft project? This activity is perfect for keeping little hands busy and creating some adorable apple artwork!

What you'll need:

• Construction paper
• Red, green, and brown paint
• Shallow dishes or trays for paint
• Wine corks
• Baby wipes or paper towels (for clean-up!)
• Optional: Glitter, markers, googly eyes for decorating

Let's get stamping!

Prepare your canvas: Unfold a large piece of construction paper. This will be the background for your giant apple!

Cork transformation: Pour a small amount of red paint into one of your shallow dishes. Now comes the fun part! Press the flat end of the wine cork into the red paint, making sure it gets a nice, even coat.

Stamping time! Carefully, guide your child's hand as they press the painted end of the cork onto the construction paper. This will be the body of the apple. Repeat this process, creating multiple red circles close together to form a large apple.

Stem and Leaf: Use a paintbrush and green paint to add a long, curvy stem coming out of the top of the apple. For the leaf, dip a corner of the paintbrush in green paint and make a few small teardrop shapes next to the stem

Browning time (optional): Fall apples often have brown speckles on the skin. Use a brown paintbrush to gently dab small dots around the red apple to create this effect

Decoration Extravaganza! Now comes the fun part - decorating! Let your child unleash their creativity. They can add glitter for a sparkly apple, use markers to draw stripes or a cute face, or even stick on googly eyes for a silly apple friend.

Pro-Tips:

• Safety first! Cover your work surface with newspaper or a tablecloth to avoid paint splatters.
• Little artists, big messes: For younger children, use washable paint and have plenty of baby wipes or paper towels on hand for clean-up.
• Get creative! Don't limit yourselves to red apples. Experiment with other fall colors for a variety of apple creations!

This easy and engaging craft is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your kids this fall. It allows them to explore their creativity, practice hand-eye coordination, and celebrate the beauty of the season. Plus, you'll end up with some adorable apple artwork to proudly display! So grab those wine corks, unleash the paint, and get stamping!

Find all of my favorite fall crafts here:

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Lego Stamped Pumpkins

Sunflower Stamped Pumpkins