Thinking Outside the Box

I know the journey to a simpler life will be slow.  In fact, it has to be.  Part of living a simple life is to take things slower, to forego the rush of consumerism and forget about trying to "keep up with the Jones's."  To try to rush the process would be counterproductive.  It takes time to adjust to every "new" way of doing things and I have a family who are adjusting in their own time.  In order to keep the peace at home, these changes need to be as seamless as possible.

Whole wheat sourdough

The very first step I took was making my own bread.  Of the four of us in the household, 3 love homemade bread.  (My daughter will eat it for toast but still doesn't enjoy it for sandwiches.  I keep a loaf of store bought bread in the freezer so she can take out a few slices at a time when we have sandwiches.)

I started a sourdough starter and try to be diligent about caring for it.  It requires me to make bread regularly.  I have stepped away from using highly processed foods like white flour so my loaves are made from unbleached wholewheat flour.  I've made bread before and I'm getting better at it.  I'm on a quest for the perfect loaf that will satisfy everyone's preferences.

Finished loaves

I have been scouring the internet and magazines for easy and yummy recipes that will replace foods that came from a box before.  Of course, not wanting to waste food, I have been using up the boxed mixes that we have in the house.  Brownies, cakes, sweet breads, pasta and cereal...  It will all soon be replaced with real, simple ingredients.

Trying new recipes keeps me in the kitchen.  Staying in the kitchen allows me to connect with my family through time and nourishment.  The smell of fresh baked goodies makes the house feel like a home. Oh how simple changes make big differences.