First loaf using the new mixer

My present from Susan was a Kenwood KMix machine. Inspired by the Great British Bake Off I'd been looking at mixers for a while and had decided I'd like to get one for making bread amongst other things. Kitchenaid seemed to be the Rolls Royce of mixers at a Rolls Royce price too and Kenwoods were not far behind but somehow we managed to find this KMix on line  for 60% less than it was being sold for in the shops.

We could not believe the price differential and thought there must be a catch, but so far we can't find one!

This loaf, a bloomer, following Paul Hollywood's recipe is the best "hand made" (if you can call it that) loaf I've ever made and with all the best things is simple; strong flour, yeast, salt and olive oil. There is something magical about bread, knowing that's what should happen but marvelling that it happens each time. So, what's next? Perhaps a wholemeal loaf?

A quiet New Year, with a couple of friends who have been neighbours of Susan and Doreen for decades. Had a glass of bubbly at the appointed hour and watched a bit of Jools Holland's Hootenanny on BBC2. It rather spoils the event when you realise that the programme was recorded a couple of weeks ago - we applied for tickets as the studios are near here and we've been successful in attending two sessions of Later...with Jools Holland.

Bit different to last New Year which we spent up in London being crushed in the Mayor's fireworks display. An experience not to be repeated in a hurry.

So, 2015 is upon us. A Happy, Heathy and Contented New Year to everyone in blipland.