No knead Walnut & Cranberry Bread

It must be the Monday blues that I am finally posting this trial and error.

Since I started experimenting with baking bread about 3 months ago, I’ve had my fair share of ‘failures’. Well actually, more success (otherwise I think I would have probably given up with bread baking) than failures but I suppose the latter keeps me humble!! Ha ha I know that some people would probably rather avoid mentioning such lows but I decided otherwise. With failures you gain knowledge, understanding, how to avoid repeating them in the future and confidence (hm, but what would you do with a bruised ego??! Lolz).

I confess, I tried this bread because it was labelled 'easy'. No knead, what more can you say to that! My earlier no-knead focacia came out well so thought this would work out just fine too.

This No-knead bread looks ok right? But looks can be deceiving. In fact it was barely edible. I've even scribbled under my notes, 'exterior is hard as rocks'!!! The interior was softer (but only slightly) but was rather dry and well just not worth the carbs!! Ha ha

Least to say, it got buried in trash, but not before taking some pictures, serving as a reminder that I need to try this again. Not sure where I went wrong other than a few minutes into kneading it in the BM, the dough went surly. I knew something was a-missed so I stopped the machine immediately. Nevertheless I scooped up the dough and persisted after all it would be a shame since I had already added in the fruits and nuts. Even after resting and proofing it, unfortunately it didn't fair any better.

I used the recipe shared by Marie but it looks like I'll need to go back to try this again. Probably this time, bake it in a dutch pan first then without it.

All in the week for MP

Master Prince will be in Grade/Primary 1 next year.

In transition from pre-school/kindergarten, he has orientation this week. As you could have guessed, he was very excited with the entire experience - going to a bigger school, being a bigger boy (yep, no baby anymore!), etc. Couldn't believe to learn that his classrooms are equipped with air-conditioners! Talk about children being pampered and studying in comfort. Wonder and worry about the future generation double XYZ!

At first he was a little quiet as we were locating his classroom. But once he saw a few familiar faces and friends, he literary lit up and started his 'nonsense' of grappling, kungfu moves, air punching and kicking - probably a boy thing? Needless to say, we were rather disappointed that he got into 'trouble' with the teacher on the first day, only an hour into class!! *eyes roll and head shake*

The other highlight of the week was D misplacing or losing his school folder containing all his books which led to the possibility of having them re-purchased! D spending many hours frantically retracing his steps and questioning his memory in search of the missing pink folder as he thought it was his fault the folder dropped out of MP's bag. Only to discover the next morning that MP had in fact left his folder behind in his desk drawer!!! Poor D. MP got told off for being so forgetful in the first place!

MP's favourite is recess, canteen shop/food and money to buy stuff from there. Well, I've informed Master Prince that he will not be allowed to take money to school as he will be bringing snacks from home (so as to ensure that he eats healthily). Not sure how long this will last, perhaps for the first year??? A far contrast to my primary years when I had pocket money to splurge at canteen junk food! ;p I can still recall the 40cents small bowl of over salted and highly spiked MSG noodles!! Definitely not healthy but its deeply etched in my childhood memory.

A friend told me that some school canteen operators are CROOKS. Why? Because they cheat from unsuspecting Std 1 pupils who are still quite unfamiliar with money and will either conveniently forget about the change or give less!!! Unbelievable!?