Hello Y’all! All the way from North Texas. I hope this post finds you well in your corner of the world. Summer is gone and Fall is here. Where has 2024 gone? My neighbor put out a pumpkin at their front door and I just thought to myself, we are getting closer to Thanksgiving. But it’s been a busy Summer as usual and coordinating my schedule has been likened to herding cats so I apologize for not being as consistent as I would have liked. Today is Sunday and I was up early trimming back the vines from my sweet potato plants. I recently learned that the leaves are edible and a great source of antioxidants so, I have decided to try a sauté style recipe and see if it’s worth the hype. This Summer was mild compared to last year and I am so grateful for it. If you live in Texas, you know that there’s a huuuge (huge) difference between 94 degrees and 115 degrees. It’s expected to drop even lower beginning tomorrow and I cannot wait to begin layering.

I was craving bread and decided to bake a loaf of gluten-free sweet bread that’s made with five ingredients: 2 tbsp active yeast, 2 tbsp sugar, about a half cup of water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cups GF flour, and 1 small pack of raisins.

Prepping.

Heat about 2/3 cup of water and pour it into a mixing bowl. Ensure it is medium temperature. Add sugar, stir, then add the yeast and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Add the flour and mix with a spatula. Please keep in mind that GF flour doesn’t have the same consistency as regular flour so kneading in this case isn’t required. Using a perforated cover, cover the bowl and let it sit in a dark place for about 30 minutes.

After it has risen considerably, add the raisins and mix. Cover and let it sit until it rises the second time. Spray your loaf tin and get ready to bake. Turn on your oven to 350-325 F and bake. GF bread doesn’t rise like regular bread so constant checks ensure that it bakes just right. Serve with jam or butter and enjoy!

Folks, its Fall season and as the weather cools down, I look forward to trying new recipes that are scrumptious and great for my waistline. Until I come your way again, be safe, upbeat and positive. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr