Olive bread in the works, map of states' animal treatment laws

It was so nice to have homemade bread recently that I decided to make some more. I adore olive bread but couldn't find a whole grain-yeast bread recipe that appealed to me. So, back to my pal Cynthia, the boulangere. To be succinct, she wanted to make olive bread too so will try tweaking one of her recipes while I'll tweak another. Then we'll compare notes. What fun! Mine is in its first proof and will be such a nice addition to dinner. You might know how committed I am to animal welfare. If not, it is a subject about which I am passionate. I feel it is a moral imperative with enormous implications for health (the animals, us, our Earth) and sustainability, and I vote with my fork (always) and wallet (when I can). The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a great organization, and I enjoy their regular enewsletters. In today's was this map showing how each state ranks. Food for thought, literally.

Thing 2 You Don't Know You Need, But Do

Has anyone bought a Thermapen yet? Kidding. But seriously, that is a great kitchen gadget. Today's featured tool from my kitchen is my Escali Primo digital scale. I have to hand it to my DH for buying this as I wouldn't have otherwise. It seemed superfluous- would I actually use it? YES! This is unquestionably a must in my kitchen, and truly, I use it at least three times a week, probably more. I've got a block of chocolate but need just 4 oz? No problem. 250 grams of flour? Got it. How much does that "_" weight? No more guessing. While useful all around, it's especially important in some recipes calling for flour; because flours can settle, have different densities and so forth, cup-type measurements aren't as accurate as are actual weights.

This scale is not fancy and it wasn't expensive, especially when amortized over number of times used. I think T got this on amazon for $21. Also, if it makes you feel happy, it comes in a wide array of colors.

Damn good meal

This chicken creation was fantastic! I'll definitely be making it again: sauteed kale with garlic, chicken stuffed with said kale and some fontina, bacon-wrapped, pan-seared and then oven-roasted. Yum! Rice also yum as were these Brussels sprouts.