Since this is my first post, I decided to start with breakfast. A few days ago I documented my breakfast of homemade sourdough bread with apple butter, a tangelo, and some good strong coffee. It is not often that I photograph my breakfast before I eat it, but it was a surprisingly satisfying experience. Sitting there in the morning sunlight it almost seemed too perfect to spoil the experience by eating, but alas I gave in to my hunger. Unfortunately the photograph does not quite capture these contemplative moments, so you will have to use your imagination a bit.
The bread recipe comes from Local Breads by Daniel Leader, a book I have recently fallen in love with. I started making sourdough bread a few months ago, and this book has become my bread bible. It goes through, in meticulous detail, the history, process and culture of traditional European breads. I also made the apple butter, taking the recipe from good ol' Joy of Cooking, with a few deviations. I did not strain the apple pulp as recommended because I like the texture of the apple skins. I also substituted turbinado sugar for white sugar and added a pinch of cayenne pepper. The tangelo I found at my local co-op, a mix between a tangerine and a pomelo; very sour with a hint of sweetness. Overall, it was great way to start the day.
