Happy Easter, as we prepare for the season of re-birth and celebrate Easter on April 17, 2022, I am sharing favorite ideas and inspiration. Enjoy this original article, first published five years ago (2017). Feel free to contact me, I’m especially interested in hearing about your Easter traditions. Many blessings and huckleberry hugs, Maxine (A.K.A. “Molly)
“Mmmmmm…smells like heaven,” exclaims Bella Sophia.
Last night, Julia Child was on. It was a throwback episode and featured bread baking with a bread machine. Remember when the bread machines were all the rage? I am dating myself on this one…twenty-five years ago Eric and I received one for a wedding gift. I dusted it off this morning. Julia, you have inspired me.
I am going to simplify my bread making. This morning we used natural elements to color the eggs (see prior post). I am recovering from thyroid removal surgery. It has been a challenge; my energy is low. I had some complications. Such is life.
I asked my hubbie to pick up two packs of frozen bread dough at the market on his way home. He put it in the fridge to thaw. I used the two of the three packs, so that is six frozen loaves. Let the fun begin.
Bella Sophia and I have a blast We make Italian Easter bread centerpieces. We also shape St. Joseph rolls for Easter ham sandwiches.
What do you think? Simple enough? Just egg and water wash and sesame seeds. We do not add sugar, no nuts or dried fruit, no frosting. We want savory. Tomorrow, with Nonna Cathy, we will make Italian Easter dough from scratch…no shortcuts. We use the “S” cookie Sicilian recipe (see earlier post for recipe). Bella Sophia got a first place at the Monterey County fair using that “S” recipe last summer!
Julia is a California girl and the iconic Godmother of cooks. The universal Padrina of the kitchen! Last night, the bread machine episode motivated me. Nonna Frances, my sister Fran and I, how we used to spend hours sitting together and watching her amazing culinary shows.
I remember before the Pebble Beach Food and Wine began…do you? Cali girl Julia Child, she used to host many annual culinary events around town. I was married at Bernardus Lodge. It will always have a special place in my heart. Beautiful setting, bocce ball courts, roses, garden…spa. We regularly still eat breakfast there at the outdoor patio. Bella Sophia can bring a friend or cousin and play croquet or bocce. I am reminiscing, I am thinking about Bernardus culinary chef’s tables. Amazing hosts like Clint Eastwood, Leonardo DiCaprio and of course our local notable culinary icon Julia Child would grace the tables.
These thoughts encourage me. I set aside some of these amazing St. Joseph rolls. I will make basic salami sandwiches, we will eat dinner at the beach, alfresco, and toast to Ms. Julia!
“The smell of bread baking, like the sound of lightly flowing water, is indescribable in its evocation of innocence and delight”- Julia Child
Huckleberry Hugs, Maxine (A.K.A. Molly)
