Tuesdays With Dorie: Finnish Pulla

So this week's Tuesdays With Dorie recipe is Finnish Pulla. I loved how this bread turned out, although my braiding technique is sketchy. Also, I didn't have enough dough left over to create a bow to finish the wreath. Regardless of all that, the bread is great. Very happy with this recipe and how it turned out.

(Alert: Change of tone ahead.)

I hope you'll pardon me for this, but I want to share a Facebook status update from my local library:

<< Have you been wondering what you can do to help Newtown? Maryellen DeJong and Darlene Garrison, two library staff members, are coordinating a drive to collect donations of classroom supplies. Many teachers spend their own money to decorate their bulletin boards and walls and we thought it would be helpful to gather materials together to make it easier for them when they move in to their new school. If you would like to help, drop off items (bulletin board decorations, pencils, markers, stickers, glue sticks, etc.) in the box by the check out desk OR some people who are not able to come to the library are purchasing gift cards online and having them mailed to the library - Att: Maryellen DeJong, Danbury Library. 170 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810. (suggestions for stores have been Staples, Parent - Teacher store in Newtown, Target, etc.). Several library employees live in Newtown so this effort is particularly heartfelt for them. If anyone has any questions, give the Community Relations office a call at 203-304-1405. >>

I'm grateful that the library folks are undertaking this project. Since Friday, I've been looking for a noninvasive way to do something supportive for the Newtown community; this seems like a worthwhile effort. Obviously, I don't know if anyone out there is looking to reach out in some way, but if so, here's an option. -- Chris

Tuesdays With Dorie: Gingerbread Baby Cakes

Not much to say yet about this week's Tuesdays With Dorie adventure, Gingerbread Baby Cakes, except for the fact that I made them and they turned out looking great. I made them as mini-Bundts as I didn't have the suggested bakeware for the recipe. I'm tempted to say that they almost didn't smell great while baking, largely, I think, due to the amount of espresso powder in the batter. As they were just finishing baking, I kept thinking, "Is something burning?"

If you want to see the recipe to see just how much espresso powder is in these babies, check out Karen's blog here.