I think one of the reasons I like food blogs is that many have a tone of wistful remembrances, smattered with family and friends, and often some life lesson, story, or insight that many people feel connected with. I think I like them because I don’t think I have quite the skill to write that way. My writing (in my mind) is direct, philosophical. I don’t tell stories, or try to reach across any aisles; I just say what I say.

In my mind, food bloggers do with writing what soft focus does to photos. The writing feels dreamy and inviting, like if you were there, you’d be sitting next to a fire with a cup of hot cocoa and whatever the recipe of the day is. There is comfort, nostalgia, warmth, and good feelings in so many food bloggers’ writing.

Some of the themes of these Journeys are discovery, and learning new things. Goodness knows I have a lot of discovery and learning to do in the area of Beauty. Today, I am working on taking a lesson from food bloggers. I baked bread today, while thinking about good friends, camaraderie, wonderful smells, and nurturing my friends and family with food.

You see, these things do not come naturally to me: my cooking and baking is often much like my writing–direct and with a purpose. I don’t bake thinking about what kind of life lessons there are or insights I can gain from the process. To approach Beauty from a food angle, taking a lesson from food bloggers is a stretch for me, but a good stretch, as I am learning and discovering!

I first made this bread about 6 months ago. It’s easy, does not take a lot of time, and there is no kneading. It fills the house with that amazing fresh baked smell. It is moist with a crunchy crust, and is perfect for toast or grilled cheese. The bread today is for the occasion of a dear friend who will be joining us for the evening, bringing several different whiskys. A whisky tasting evening! With homemade soup and fresh baked bread.