First Snowfall of the Season

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Unexpectedly, today we received the first snowfall of the season.. and it's sticking!  At first when the flakes started coming down this morning, I didn't think they would last, as it looked more like frozen rain than snow.



The snowflakes were huge as they drifted softly down out of the sky.



I wondered what the new chickens would think of the snow, as they had never seen it before.  It didn't seem to bother them in the least! 


Pumpkins now covered like patterned doilies with the wisps of snow. 



Snowflakes grouping and bunching together in little piles of white fluff.


Annie enjoying the first flakes of the season as they landed on her fur.


Her fur acts as a natural repellent to the snow!


Roger got so excited with the snow that he began wrestling, and playing with Annie.


Annie wasn't as impressed as Roger was by the snowfall, lol!





Back inside... looking at the snow gently falling outside, I got busy making some homemade bread using my trusty bread machine.  I've learned that you can let the bread machine do all the hard work by using the dough setting - it makes the bread dough on this setting, and then you pull it out of the machine and put it into your baking pan, let it rise, and then bake. I like the results much better this way than having the bread machine bake the bread.  You know that little hole at the bottom of the bread - you don't have that this way, and plus, it takes even less time to make the bread this way too!  


This is my Honey Oatmeal Bread  just as it came out of the bread machine.  I folded it into a loaf shape, and placed it in my greased pan to rise (about an hour or so).


And voila!  A lovely warm loaf of bread that looks like you labored and kneaded it yourself! Shh! It's a great secret folks! Anyone can do this!


All sliced and ready for some hungry souls to come and devour...


Sorry the lighting is quite bad today - horrible actually - with the gray light from outdoors not helping much, lol!


I decided to turn on my flash for this picture, and while it is a bit washed out, you can see that the warm delicious bread wasn't going to last long at this rate with homemade plum jelly and a hot cup of pumpkin spice tea... it made a lovely afternoon snack!  {smile}


And that is how I enjoyed the beautiful first day of snow here!

In case you want to put your bread machine to good use, here is a wonderful recipe for a bread machine.

HONEY OATMEAL BREAD-MACHINE BREAD

1 cup water, plus 1 tbsp (lukewarm, about 98-110 degrees)
3 tbsp honey
2 cups flour (all purpose or bread flour will work)
1 cup oatmeal
1-1/2 tbsp powdered milk
1-1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp yeast (bread machine or regular yeast both work)
1 tbsp butter

Mix warm water and honey together until honey is mixed with water.  You may heat in microwave for 30 seconds if necessary.  Pour into bread machine.  Next add flour, oatmeal, powdered milk, and salt. Make an indentation in the flour mixture, and add yeast.  Cut butter into four pieces, and put in each corner of the bread machine pan.  Select the dough cycle on your machine.  (Mine takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete.)  Once bread machine beeps, take dough out of pan, and shape it into a loaf, and place in a buttered bread pan.  Let rise until double.  Bake at 375 for 30 to 40 minutes, or until browned and sounds hollow when tapped.  Remove bread from oven.  Rub top of bread with a bit of butter and remove from pan.  Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.

35 comments

  1. My machine broke several years ago...we just wore the thing out. lol I have not seen bread makers on the market in a while. hmmm....they must be out there somewhere.
    Your bread looks delicious and makes me wish I could eat some right now!!!! xo Diana

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    1. I got my bread machine at a yard sale for $5.00. I often see them at thrift stores for about that much. I have found them to be a wonderful investment, especially since I discovered the dough setting produces a much better quality loaf of bread. Appreciate your visit today, as always!

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  2. Oh, what happiness snow began to fall today, dear Marilyn! Such pretty pictures too...your doggies look perfectly delighted! How I would love it to snow in my country...I have never seen it up close before...isn't that terrible! Hee!
    Hmmm...and your honey and oatmeal bread looks and sounds divine...I will be trying it next week! Yum!
    Hugs to you and enjoy your weekend!
    Love always,
    Kelly-Anne

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    1. Oh wow, how sad that you have never seen snow! It is wonderful to experience for sure :) I hope that you are enjoying beautiful spring weather there, and getting your garden ready for the season. I think you will love the recipe for the honey oatmeal bread, it is quite easy made in the bread machine :) I hope you have a wonderful week dear friend, and praying the Lord blesses you richly :)

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  3. I have always liked using the bread machine for dough. It's great for bread, cinnamon rolls, and pizza dough. I've used mine so much it is nearly worn out.

    My daughter in northeastern Nevada sent photos of snow in their back yard on Tuesday. Think they ended up with four or five inches. Her kiddos were thrilled! Your snow photos are lovely. I especially liked the one with the pumpkins.

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    1. Oh, isn't the bread machine wonderful, mine is almost worn out too, lol! Our snow is all gone, it didn't last long, just a good part of the day. It won't be long before it is here to say though, lol! Appreciate your visit and pray you are having a blessed day :)

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  4. Homemade bread and the first snowflakes of the season sound like a perfect combination. Fabulous!

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    1. Yes, it was a great way to spend the day indeed! Nothing compares to the taste of fresh hot homemade bread, oh my! :)

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  5. Hi There! How nice to come over and meet you today! You left a comment on my blog, but it went to 'spam' and was deleted. I'm so sorry... But I did take note of the name of your blog, and was able to come on over :)

    I can't believe you have snow already! It was in the low 60's yesterday here, and I feel like it's not even fall yet. Your snowflakes look so fat and light. And that bread looks amazing, I am a total bread lover! I know you enjoyed it, looking out on your land, chickens, dogs and snow. You have a lovely area to live it.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. I'm so glad that you found my comment, how strange that it went to spam, who knows about computers sometimes! lol... Our snow didn't last, but it was nice to enjoy it as it came down. And we do love our homemade bread too, especially with homemade jam and jelly. We are blessed here where we live indeed!

      Thanks again for taking the time to come by and visit. I look forward to visiting your blog again soon, as your writings really blessed me :) Take care my dear new friend! :)

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  6. Thanks for the bread recipe. We love fresh bread, of any kind!
    Ezra experienced his first rain yesterday and spent the day inside, looking out. ☺ Can't wait to see what he does with snow! It's finally starting to turn a little 'fallish' here.
    Enjoy your weekend! ♥

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    1. Oh how fun it is to see a puppy (and a child too) and their first snow!! Our snow didn't last, but we know it won't be long now before it does!

      We love fresh homemade bread here too, and I usually make it at least twice a week. The Honey Oatmeal bread is our family's personal favorite :)

      Have a blessed and wonderful day!

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  7. Your first snow?! How exciting! The high country got snow here, but we just got a bit of rain. Our low last night was 24 degrees....yikes it was cold! So very blessed for my wood stove to keep me and my home toasty!
    Your bread looks wonderful. I've never used a bread machine before. I have a honey oatmeal bread on my side bar that you don't have to knead. That kneading does take a long time, doesn't it? I wish we were closer, so you could teach me how to use a bread machine. :0)
    I hope you have a delightful weekend, Marilyn!
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. Lucky you to have the wood stove! We don't have one here in this house, and we are missing it, especially since we have a ton of firewood on our property. There really is nothing that heats the house like a wood stove!

      The bread machine is super easy to use, and I have found making bread so much simpler with them, especially when you bake it yourself.

      Hope you are enjoying a blessed and wonderful weekend my friend! :)

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  8. Your first snow?! How exciting! The high country got snow here, but we just got a bit of rain. Our low last night was 24 degrees....yikes it was cold! So very blessed for my wood stove to keep me and my home toasty!
    Your bread looks wonderful. I've never used a bread machine before. I have a honey oatmeal bread on my side bar that you don't have to knead. That kneading does take a long time, doesn't it? I wish we were closer, so you could teach me how to use a bread machine. :0)
    I hope you have a delightful weekend, Marilyn!
    Hugs, Amy

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  9. Such beautiful pictures, as always! And that bread!! Oh, my!! I used to have a bread machine, but I just never got into using it, and eventually, I either gave it away or sold it at a yard sale...I forget which! But, this makes me wish I still had it! LOL!! I love your precious posts...they are so homey and comforting. May the dear Lord bless you and keep you always in His care, dear friend :)

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    1. Yes, I had a bread machine for years and never used it, and in the last year or so, I dusted it off, and use it all the time now. You can use it for any kind of dough, which is pretty awesome. You can make a healthier fresh bread of any kind, which is a big plus, I think!

      I always enjoy your visits and your thoughts here dear Cheryl, and I pray that the Lord is blessing you and your family today in a special way! :)

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  10. It looks like you really enjoyed the first day of snow at your house!
    So warm and cozy with the loaf of homemade bread and jam.
    Have a great weekend.
    Debbie
    xo

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    Replies
    1. It was a great way to spend the day of our first snow... and homemade fresh bread always a joy. I love how it makes the house feel so cozy and inviting. I hope you are having a special and wonderful day today Debbie! :)

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  11. Oh, snowfall already?! How time flies. Enjoy and stay warm!

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    1. Yes, time is sure flying, that is for sure - how is it already time for the holidays again, oh my! Enjoy the weekend, dear friend, and I sure appreciate your faithful visits here! :)

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  12. I love seeing your yard and pups-they are so precious. We had a very light dusting of snow here on Friday and are supposed to get it next week as well. I would be happy if it stayed away a little longer, but am content if it comes and stays. I had a bread machine and gave it to one of my daughter's who makes gluten free bread for her family. I try not to eat bread every day. Yours looks delicious though.
    Have a great week.
    Hugs, Noreen

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I understand about the snow, when it comes,it is going to come, and I am content to let the seasons move along as they choose. Finding joy in the moment, whatever it is! I think it is wonderful that your daughter is using the bread machine to make healthy bread for her family, what a blessing! Appreciate your visit here very much, and I hope you are enjoying a nice and cozy weekend! :)

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  13. Replies
    1. Ha... aren't you excited to see snow, lol! Have a great day my friend :)

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  14. Your homemade bread looks delicious. I can see why you slice the whole loaf at once. :)

    Although not our first snow of the season, we woke to the world covered in white and the mountain ash berry bunches have little white hats on them. It's a good day for homemade things ... hubby put on a pot for chicken soup and its fragrance is starting to waft up to my little office.

    It's always fun to see the response of our pets when they see the first seasonal snow. You have lovely doggies.

    Wishing you a beautiful week ahead...
    Brenda

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    1. Oooh, chicken soup - yes please! I agree... on days like that it feels so nice to have the kitchen all warm and toasty and a bit of steam on the windows from a pot of soup - yum! Yes, it is always fun to see how the animals react with the changes in the season. Our first snow didn't last but next week we are on schedule to get quite a bit more. Winter is on its way... :) Hoping your week is going well too Brenda, and appreciate your visit! :)

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  15. That bread looks so yummy. I used to make bread more often...I should try this recipe! I've never been to your state and I live in Florida now, so I'm enjoying your blog today! Hugs, Diane

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    1. I understand that bread is something that needs to be made when you have other people to help you eat it, lol! I'm glad that you visited my blog today, and hope to stop by your blog soon and visit. It is always nice to make new friends in blogland :) Have a wonderful day!

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  16. Oh..your chicken picture just brought a smile to my heart! Our "ladies" love a light snow...but we are experiencing an unseasonably warm November hear on the coast of Maine...no snow in the forecast yet! I love stopping by for a visit...your blog is so homey and inviting!
    Have a blessed day,
    Laura

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    Replies
    1. That is unusual I imagine for you to not have any snow yet... I guess after the hard winter last year, maybe it will be different for you this year! Thank you for your sweet comment about my blog, and I have to pass the compliment back to you as well, I enjoy visiting yours as well! Hope you are having a wonderful week :)

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  17. I used to make use of my bread machine when I had it but it was one of the first that baked upright loaves and we didn't care for the shape. Our daughter has a horizontal baker and turns out delicious bread - I'll have to share your recipe with her.

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    1. I didn't know they had horizontal bread machines! I might be tempted to get one of those, lol, because one of the things I don't like about the bread machine is the hole it leaves in the bread, and the shape. I hope your daughter enjoys the recipe! Have a blessed day :)

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  18. Just look at those fat snowflakes falling. They look so pretty. When I saw your pictures of the dogs and Annie I was stuck at how much she looks like our old Marshall (now our son's dog) but for the ears. Marshall's ears flop over. And Marshall's tail is a Husky tail - curled and really fluffy. They could be twins! Your bread looks delicious. I don't have a bread maker nor do I bake bread. Thankfully we have a nice bakery nearby. :) Blessings, Pam

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    1. Isn't that funny that our dogs miles apart could pass for twins! Does Marshall like the snow? Annie just goes crazy in it, she loves it so much! Today we got another significant snowfall that lasted for a few hours before it rained, and now it is a slushy mess, but she and I were outside playing, and she loves sticking her nose in the snow, it is so funny.

      If it were only my husband and I, the bread baking would be cut back greatly... thankfully I have teenagers who help gobble it up, and I get to enjoy one piece, and be thankful for that one piece, lol!

      Appreciate your visit, and hope you are having a lovely day :)

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