Bread Addiction

I think I have a new addiction and it's going to cost me a few pounds.  Every where I go and with every bite I take, I think of bread.  Every winter, I put on what we call the "Winter Spread".  It's generally about 10 pounds!  Yikes!

At this rate, it'll be 20!  But I have a wierd way of justifying things in my mind.  Such as:

It's not loaded with ingredients I can't pronounce.
It's always fresh.
It makes my house smell sooooo good.
It makes for great croutons in the dehydrator (got some going now!)  I cut up my left over French bread, and sprinkled it with garlic and thyme.  Thought it would be super yummy at Thanksgiving time.  Or snack time.
It tastes divine.
It's FUN!
And I am pretty sure it's a real crowd-pleaser.

I've already tried several different recipes and haven't found one yet that I did not love!  Is that bad?

Then yesterday, I went to B&N, where I always gravitate to the DIY and Cookbook sections.  I need another cookbook like I need a hole in my head.  Did I mention I am addicted to those too?   Not only do I keep my cherished ones in the house...

I have boxes of them in the garage!  (I should probably borrow a book on organizing, huh?)

So naturally, I want another one!

I told Pig Pen this one is officially on the list!  Do any of you have it and if so, what are your thoughts?  I came home and read all the reviews and it must be 'The One'.  All the ladies in my family may have to make sure Pig Pen knows where to find it on Christmas Eve night.  Just sayin'.

Side note, have you ever checked out this website?  The Fresh Loaf.  I thought it was pretty cool.

Today I tried a recipe from TastyKitchen submitted by Krista Maurer.  Click the link if you are curious.  I was a little scared at the part that says to add 'up to' 9 C of flour so that the dough is not sticky.  Mine was pretty sticky and I did have to go the distance with it.  But it turned out pretty darn good!  I also had to turn my oven down a bit, it must run hot and I didn't want to over-brown the top. 

Super yummy!  I don't think there is such a thing as BAD homemade bread.  Good-bye to the skinny jeans!