baking again

I did a little more baking last night. Had a couple of really mushy bananas so bread was in order. I decided to make another loaf of the egg braid bread and use it for french toast. Well that was all good and dandy, but I am having a problem with the double braid. I split the dough in half and those halves were split into three for the braid sections. I really tried to make them nice and level. The second rise went fine, the egg wash was great. The layers were centered and rose nicely. My problem came in the oven. Somehow the top braid shifted. Instead of a nice stack, I got a lopsided drunk top braid leaning over. I may have to try toothpicks if I really want that double braid look. Hmm, perhaps it's better to go with a single layer braid. No shifting that way. The bread still tastes good of course. I did play with the recipe a bit. I decided instead of the 3T of oil in the starter to go with the same amount of butter. I notice that while my friend uses only 3 1/2c of flour, I am using 4c to get the right dough consistency and pliability. Perhaps it's the attitude. Hey different flour? Humidity? One never knows too may variables when cross country baking.

Last night at the grocery store I was eyeing the turkey necks. Why? Well, this family adores homemade turkey gravy. Stinky can't get enough of it! The dogs go nutty when they see turkey necks. It's that time of year. Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Time for me to start looking at my recipes and decide if I want to go with the usual staples or do something else. Stinky has mentioned ham, but we had a big ham earlier this month. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to Thanksgiving. I want a turkey.