Whats Up This Week, More Snow, A Loaf And A New Toy For My iPhone Camera
intrepid Brooklynite Biking in the snow
Well the week is almost over, I have to say I am so sick of this snow and cold it makes my head hurt to think about another snow storm but here we are, yet another one with plunging bitter cold temperatures. I am not a hot weather sort of gal, I hate heat and humidity and look forward to cooler temps after oppressingly hot summers. That said this winter is trying, it is compounded by the difficulty I have getting my elderly, frail little dog out to do his business. Luckily I have a covered outdoor patio area that I can use when I cannot get down the stairs of my front stoop with him.
My back yard
This week has been really busy with work, I haven’t really had a lot of time in the kitchen, I did however make a few things. Maybe you remember my post on sour dough bread and the starter, I am happy and thrilled to report that the starter is still alive and doing very well. I keep it covered in the back of my refrigerator and when I want to make a loaf of bread I feed it and leave it in the oven with the light on for 12+ hours to do it’s thing. This starter is the best and consistently produces lovely and delicious loaves of bread. As a matter of fact this is my 6th loaf using the same starter/Levain.
Sourdough loaf
With two slices of this delicous loaf of bread I made this fantastic BLT using Nitrate free bacon (just got from CSA, tomatoes, frisee and homemade mayonnaise. I have to say a BLT is and always will be one of my all time favorite sandwiches.
Mayonnaise
BLT,homemade sourdough loaf, mayo, frisee and tomato
I have mentioned before that I use my iphone for my photo’s, because it’s easy, I’m not a great photographer and I live in a historic townhouse that is light challenged. I saw on the apple site some incredible photo’s taken using iphone 6 and they mentioned the app’s used as well as peripheral apparatus. One thing that peaked my interest was the “Olloclip” its a clip on multi lens device, it has wide angle, macro 10x and macro 15x. I just got it yesterday so still have to learn exactly how to use it as it pertains to my food photo’s but I am excited to give it a try.
olloclip
This super cold, icy and snowy winter has been rough on Nando. He is 14 years old, has diabetes and is blind. He also has neuropathy which is very hard on him. I have to keep him very warm, here are some of the items I have had to purchase for him to help ward off the cold. He has terrible circulation in his feet/legs and numbness associated with the neuropathy. I found these socks that have rubber bottoms so he has traction on slippery floors, protection from ice and salt and they keep his little feet warm. He has a wardrobe of sweaters and jackets but this year I had to call in the big guns and I got him a warm jacket from Canada Pooch, it looks a little too Santa Clauseish for my taste but keeps him warm. He doesn’t like wearing it at all, hates clothes but it’s necessary when I take him outside.
Nando’s cold weather gear
He sleeps in socks and his hoodie.
Nando
We are expected to get about 8 inches of snow today, it’s coming down fast and furious. I will leave you with a couple of snow shots, 2 hours later, can you believe more people are riding their bikes today? Amazing.
another bicyclist
view from my stoop
apuginthekitchen 
I love seeing shots of where you live. I know it has been an awful winter for you and my heart goes out to your sweet pooch. You take such good care of him!
Thanks Liz, this winter has been really hard. Poor Nando, he has such a hard time, I try my best to take care of him.
I love this. And BLT is my all-time favorite sandwich, no debate. I must confess that I love snow. I suppose that it’s because we rarely get it here in Seattle, and it never lingers too long. Your dog! So cute with his clothes! I’m sure he really appreciates it. Take care.
Me too Dave, I guess I am just a big bacon fan though and anything with bacon tastes better. Snow is great if you are skiing, or outside of the city. In the city, it’s hard to get around, the snow is pretty for about an hour before it becomes dirty, grey and pretty gross. Thanks. Nando is such a sweet little guy, considering all of his physical challenges he is amazingly strong and resilent. Thanks so much Dave.
Oh Nando! Your dogs are so lucky to have you! Sending warmer weather your way 🙂 The sourdough looks amazing. I made some homemade sourdough bread last week and it pretty much exploded in the oven 😦 Your’s looks perfect.
Oh no, really wonder why your loaf exploded. I love this recipe and and the recipe for the levain. Yes PLEASE send the warmer weather here. It’s horrible, right now it’s blizzard conditions outside.
I have no clue! I’ll blame it on a bizarre strain of bacteria in my starter 🙂 I’m really quite horrible at making bread. I’m trying to improve my bread making skills..but so far no good! Warm weather has been sent!
I know you are sick of winter but your pictures are beautiful. Can you believe we received 7″ of snow (with sleet and ice) last night?! Crazy, especially for us! I am interested in learning more about your iPhone Olloclip lense. Please keep us posted on your impressions of it. Stay warm; spring is almost here!
You got that much snow and ice in Dallas, wow. I lived in Houston for a long time and don’t think we ever got snow. Dallas has some wild weather fluctuations. Thanks so much and I am holding on to the thought that Spring is going to be here soon.
Spring has finally arrived here after a lengthy bout with winter also. Hope yours arrives soon!
Love,
Maria
Thanks Maria, I hope so, lucky you that Spring has Sprung.
They predicted 8 inches for us too. At first I was skeptical, but it’s really coming down and piling up… Sweet pic of Nando in his hoody. 🙂 and the bread…. sigh… awesome. Huge hugs to you and the pug! ❤
It’s coming down so hard, it’s blizzard conditions right now. Thanks Teagan. Stay warm and safe.
I can just imagine how much you want spring to come and not another snowstorm. Your poor little Nando, you are taking good care of him. I love your BLT and the homemade mayo. Sending you warm hugs.
So badly, I want to be able to walk outside and not slip and slide and have to wear layers upon layer in order to stay warm. Nando will be so happy for a little warmth too, thank you!
Stay warm Suzanne, you are getting what we had here yesterday, last night and a little still this morning, I am so over the snow!!! Nando looks so cute in his hoodie, I love his socks 🙂 Please let this all be gone in a week 🙂 Take care!! Cheers!!
Yes please, Spring will be so welcome here. you stay warm too Amy and we’ll think positive warm thoughts about Spring.
Ugh! Talk about the snow. Just got hot by another storm which ended this morning. Hating this white and schools closed. I mean I love my kids but seriously…..
That loaf looks super cool Suzanne and so does the sandwich.
Nando looks soooo cute in the new accessories.
I will keep a look out for your post on the new iPhone device that you have purchased. I am a iPhone clicker myself. Tried the real camera but it’s not my deal I think.
Love and stay warm!
Sonal
Me too, I have a Canon that I don’t use. I feel more comfortable with the iphone. I have to learn the difference in the two macro lens things and what a fisheye is. Hmmm…. photographer I am not. I know, this snow is really getting me down. Soon it will be Spring.
Just Love BLT’s!!! Riding bikes in snow? Wow that must be difficult to pedal? May be not they ride bikes on the wet sand here in Florida? Got to go when you got to go I suppose. Stay Well. Cheryl Pssst. love Nando’s wardrobe too cute…
I can’t imagine pedaling a bike in the snow but you see it all the time around here. Bicycles are popular in NYC. Thanks, half of Nando’s wardrobe does not get worn, he used to get too hot and not wear any sweaters now he gets cold so easily. Thanks Cheryle.
I was thinking it would take great calf and leg muscles to pedal in the snow!!!In good weather I imagine it is an easy way to get around? Dangerous with traffic? I can not believe you have more SNOW!!! It surely needs to let up already. Hugs to Nando. Stay safe and warm!
Lots of cool stuff, Suzanne, except the snow… That is not cool anymore…
You got that right. The snow really sucks.
My goodness, so much snow!!! Keep warm Suzanne xx Nando looks lovely and snugly x
Can I ask about you starter – you say you leave it in the oven with light on – do you leave the bowl uncovered?
Hi Elaine;
No I cover the starter, with some plastic wrap and then just loosely put the cover of the container on top of the plastic wrap. In other words I don’t seal the lid on but do have it covered.
Thanks I can’t believe it’s still snowing we have close to 10 inches now. Ugh… I have to go shovel soon
Thank you for the info 😉
Take care shovelling, wrap up xx
Ginger from Ginger and Bread told me about letting the starter do it’s thing in the oven with just the light on, I have to be careful though because I have to make a conscience effort to remember that it’s in there and not turn on the oven to pre heat, I would have a real mess then. My kitchen is on the cool side so that little bit of heat helps. I’ve also heard about using the microwave for the same purpose but haven’t tried that. Thanks I will bundle up it’s cold out there.
Wow lovely pics, please keep yourself warm.. and Nando ‘ s warmers looks so cute…. hugs and kisses to Nando. .. 🙂
Thanks, we have over 10 inches of snow and it’s still coming down. Can’t believe it. Thanks, keeping my Nando warm, wrapped in blanket, little socks on and I am shoveling snow. Brrrrr……
What a beautiful neighbourhood you live in! I am jealous of your snow, though, and would like to point out in my defence that Nando wouldn’t like to wear waterproofs and wellies …
Your bread looks amazing! I found some French bread flour that I am keen to test drive over the weekend 🙂
Thank you, I can’t believe it but it’s still snowing, its been going since aobut 4AM. We will have close to a foot when all is said and done I think. Ugh…. Nando in waterproofs and wellies, now that would be a sight. He has a camouflage hooded rain parka that he hates, he looks so sad and upset when I put it on him. Poor little guy just likes to me au naturale. I so love the bread and the levain, can’t wait to see what you do with the French Bread flour, how is it different than regular bread flour? I am intrigued.
I will see. I am hoping that it is unbleached – a few years back you could buy unbleached bread flour easily and I made the most amazing couronnes and baguettes!
I use use unbleached flour I can just imagine the beautiful bread you will make with it
Lucky you! They now only sell it by mail order, and in 50 lb bags (probably the size of my living room). I made some focaccia the other day, which was amazing. This weekend I’m attempting chocolates, though, and I am not very successful so far…
Good luck with the weather!
What a great post! Love seeing where you live. It’s such a great pad (is that the right phrase?). And I love your yard. I do miss the gardens I used to have. Especially at this time of year, when buds are finally forming. It’s been very cold here, excepting for today. What a relief! It really is beginning to feel like spring!
Thanks Johnny, yes its my pad, I like to call it that. You are lucky to see signs of spring, not here, not at all. Maybe in the next few weeks. I am not a gardener, I actually hate my backyard most of the time. I have a terrible problem with weeds, out of control, and mosquitoes. My garden is beautiful from April-June months and thats it. After that the weeds and mosquitoes take over and I cannot use it, at all. I would love to rip it all up and put everything in containers and make the whole thing stones or bricks. I might just do that, I hate not being able to use it.
If I see anything on Pinterest that’s relevant I’ll let you know. Maybe you’ve looked already. It’s amazing what you can do with just containers. Could be an exciting project for you!
Yes I will look on pinterest, good idea. It would be very exciting and I would love to be able to use the backyard. The weeds and mosquitoes are so bad it’s almost unimaginable. I have blue stone and a wooden deck would like to do a nice design with stone or brick where the plant beds are now.
The snow is pretty but I am with you, I have had enough, all it brings for me is more work and headaches!! Love the home made bread and BLT!! We just happened to have had a BLT for supper 🙂 I can’t wait to find out more about the Olloclip! stay warm!
So sick of the snow and so ready for Spring, I haven’t been to the Farmers market in months it’s too cold and too much snow. I can’t wait to get out walking and being out and about. Stay warm too Michael and thanks.
I love the photos of your neighbourhood! Can I please have a slice of fresh bread with butter and a cuddle with Nando??
That loaf looks PERFECT! Yummm!!!
Congratulations on keeping your starter! I’ve wanted to get some going but since I’m away so often, I can’t really take good care of it. Sourdough bread is definitely one of my favorites. I’m tempted to buy an iphone 6 just so I could get that lens! How cool! Maybe I’ll get one for my old iphone (if they still make them, haha).
so sorry for the snow and cold, Suzanne. That should be us! Not a lot of snow here, though March is always the snowiest month.
Your bread looks so amazing and I love that you are keeping your friend warm 😀
Hey Suzanne! So sorry to hear about all the snow! The west coast has been almost without a flake this year – very strange! Our local mountains never had much of a ski season… I enjoyed your photos, though. Congrats on the bread – one day I will have to try my hand at sourdough – yours looks so lovely! 🙂
Your snow photos really are beautiful Suzanne – I’m envious, though understand it’s not so fun when you’re dealing with the slippery surfaces and the cold on a daily basis! I hope it warms up (at least a little!) for you soon! 🙂 Oh and that BLT on your home-baked sourdough looks superb!
Lol I just wrote my comment on my reblog duh haha. Wow it looks cold and how cute are those outfits. Your bread always looks amazing I’ve no idea how to bake bread. I would love to know how you get on with the macro lens x
You live in such a beautiful area Suzanne and I almost feel like I’m watching a movie….that is meant to be a compliment…sorry if it sounds stupid, lol! Anyways, it made me so sad to read about your doggie’s struggles…it honestly hurts my heart knowing that he struggles and is blind on top of that…. 😦 :(. Poor baby. He is blessed to have you to take care of him though. I can’t even imagine living in that kind of weather. I’m in Houston, TX and well, it’s hot as hell here most of the year, but this couple of days it has got to the 30’s which is really cold for us and frankly, I am a wimp! I can’t handle anything lower than 40…or really 50, so I HATE really cold weather. I am just not used to it obviously…but it sure does look pretty!! I’ll admire it through your posts, lol. Oh, and I’ve heard great things about that iphone lens clip! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Oh no, all that cold and snow that’s awful and poor Nando. I hope milder weather arrives in NY soon. I always like the photos you take for your posts – good luck with your new lens. 🙂
It’s extremely hard on Nando and on me too! Thanks can’t wait to work with the lens.
That is still a whole lot of snow that you are having over there where you live! xxx
Here it is nearly Spring!
Lucky, well Spring is coming weather is warming up. It will take a few weeks of consistent below freezing temps to melt the snow but we have a good week of temps in the 40’s coming. Thrilled. Thank you.
xxx
Well done with the mayo!
Love mayo, thanks Peter.
I was wondering how you were doing through this terrible winter you are going through! Now I have the whole picture! Your loaf is amazing Suzanne and I love Nando´s clothing! Stay safe!
Thanks Viviana, it’s coming to an end and for that I am thankful.
Nando’s gear is darling! His coat is so charming. Truly, Suzanne, you are the best pet owner I know! Hats off to you!! Please keep us posted on the cool new iPhone lens. I love the look of it!!!
Thanks so much Em. I try so hard to do the best I can. I have to start experimenting with the lens, maybe I’ll have some free time tomorrow.
Even Nando needs to get wrapped up in your weather! I am so sorry you are having such a harsh winter! I wish we could exchange some of our heat and sunshine for some of your snow (preferably in liquid form!) We are in such a terrible drought! I hope you are rewarded with an early spring!
Your bread looks fabulous, Suzanne! I have to try making a sourdough starter, too! I had a BLTA for lunch, but it would have been even better on your sourdough! 🙂 Wishing you some warmer weather soon!
Poor Nando, he is so old and frail he gets cold so easily and going outside is tortuous for him. I wish we could send some of the wet weather your way to give you some relief from the drought. Thanks so much Christina, this recipe for bread is really good and the levain just keeps producing great bread.
Everything’s been said already. Stay warm, Nando is so cute, love bacon and mayo and sour dough. Just wanted you to know that I stopped by. Tracey
I appreciate it, thank you so much Tracey.
love this Suzanne – all of it -the bread, your neighbourhood, the snow shots, and of course, especially your pug. But interesting about the lens too and looking forward to seeing how this goes.
Thank you, I hope to get some time to work on testing the lens this week.
I really love seeing photos of your neighborhood! And, yes I know you don’t want to hear it, but I’m so envious of the snow. We have so little here. I’m sure I’d change my tune pretty quickly, but right now, I’m envious. I’m very curious about your iPhone gizmo. I don’t have the 6 yet – still using the 5, and use a DSLR for my blog photos. BUT, a program you can download that I can heartily recommend for the iPhone is Afterlight. I use it ALL the time for photos I take on my iPhone and I love it. It allows you to do all kinds of things to the photos. My heart goes out to Nando. Poor baby – he hates the snow by now I’m sure.
I will check out Afterlight, sounds like just what i am looking for. I have been using iPhoto on my mac which is very limited. Thankfully we have some warmer weather, will be almost 50 today, Nando is happy he can go outside without freezing. Thank you so much.
My yard has a similar whiteness as yours, Suzanne. Nando, it seems, has the perfect owner! I know how hard it is to care for a special needs elderly dog. Hopefully the green grass will be poking through soon, making those trips outside much easier. Never heard of that IPhone gadget…I’ll have to check it out!
Well the white stuff is melting, I see the edge of the ground and it’s so nice. We have had two days of warmish temps and so much has melted. I’ve yet to try to lens on my iphone. I need time to really work with it and I have been running around and unable to test it. Hope to the end of this week. Thanks Nancy.
This was such a beautiful post. Nando looks so snuggly in his hoody – I’d actually like to have one for Gibson, but at nearly a hundred pounds, it’s hard to find. He wears my son’s old T-shirts tied up in a knot on the top of his hind quarters, like the valley girls used to do with their t-shirts. He has no hair on his tummy, so the shirt protects his skin when he goes through the drifts. I’m sure Nando and you(and yes me, too, here in MN) will all be happy now that the weather has broken – it’s so crazy that even with nearly 70 degrees here today (the day you posted I think we were minus 11 for the low) I still expect another blizzard! 🙂
I’d be very curious to see if you like your I phone and accessories! I am thinking about upgrading and was actually thinking about a Canon Rebel – they’re reasonable I think, but a friend suggested I get an I phone!
Take care!
Well thank you so much. Nando is a little guy so unless it’s a baby tee it’s too big for him, lucky he can wear the cute hoodie I found. We are so happy it’s warmer. poor Nando gets cold so easily, the diabetes has wreaked havoc on his poor little body and his circulation is terrible.
I have a Cannon T-4 I think its a rebel, I use it occasionally but really love my Iphone 6 and love the lens I bought. Took some wide angle shots yesterday and they turned out amazing. Thank you!
Your winter looks like ours, though this past week it has been incredibly warm. Most of the snow is gone and it is drying up fast. It makes taking Sheba for her walks much easier. I love baking bread, cookies and cinnamon buns. We were in Arizona last winter. We weren’t used to the bread in the States so I baked. But it was hard to find the kind of flour we have in Canada. The bread was better but still the texture wasn’t quite right – too soft. I have lots of relatives in New York City, some in Brooklyn. Most of my mother’s side of family are there. I’ve visited a few times but not too recent. Hello and a hug to your Nando.
Lily
Thank you we had a few days of sort of warm weather, I guess it’s all relative 50 degree’s after below zero temps feels really warm. Nando is able to go outside now and this morning for the first time in weeks he actually walked about half a block, thats a lot for my sweet old man. How is the flour in Canada different, is the week softer or stronger? Where are your relatives in Brooklyn? I live in Ft Greene/Clinton Hill neighborhood. Thanks and hugs to Sheba too!!
Our flour is stronger, made from hard red spring wheat, but I see that it is grown in U. S. too so I don’t understand the flour is so different. I have cousins living close to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I don’t know the different areas.
Lily
I guess that would be like bread flour then. Your cousins may be in Crown Heights.