a baker's dozen

as you may or may not know, i have a bit of a love affair with to-do lists. perhaps it is more of a love-hate affair. without them, i become a complete flake but with them i tend to be stressed. occasionally, however, they are all happiness.

i am endeavoring during this month to do an amazing amount of baking. i mean a stupendous amount. i mean a my-measuring-cups-will-never-be-clean-and-i-might-gain-a-few-pounds amount. mmm yum. here is my baker's dozen to-do list for the month:

1. raspberry ricotta muffins
2. quinoa muffins
3. sour cream orange biscuits
4. cheese biscuits
5. sourdough scones
6. sour cream scones
7. popovers
8. lemon blueberry bread
9. yogurt bread
10. mocha-oatmeal cupcakes
11. wheat berry bread
12. cottage cheese loaf
13. sourdough rye beer bread

additionally this january, i would like to become acquainted with the subtle magic of sourdoughs. these breads are ancient--employing the native yeasts of kitchens from around the world and across time. they also happen to be delicious: chewy and tangy.

something about sourdoughs is intriguing to me. not only do they free the baker from reliance on commercially available yeast, but they represent an inheritance. my mom had a sourdough starter her mom had given her for years, until it got contaminated somehow. it isn't uncommon for starters to be passed down for several generations--well cared for, their lifetime can long exceed our own. it's pretty cool.

here's to a month of baking adventures!

b