My morning amble into Bunclody started a bit late, but who cares? The ground was damp and you could see where the car had been parked as the stones beneath it were dry. But it was quite warm so I donned the raincoat, put up the hood and headed out on foot. I wasn't even into town when I put the hood down - and that was that for the rain. No umbrella had been required. It was more like wet in the air than actual rain. My mission was to find somewhere to get a broken fingernail repaired and to replace the peeling polish on my nails. Dol's was suggested so it was there I went. I made an appointment with Sarah for 5 pm. Then I returned up the hill and home. No noticeable difference in my fitness yet. It's still a tedious walk back up.
About 1:30 I got into the car and pointed it in the direction of Carnew. This is possibly the sole destination for which I don't need the GPS. Directions are easy. Out my gate, turn right and except for a pause at the bottom of the hill, it's a straight drive to a T-intersection where I turn right and keep going until I'm in Carnew. Even I can't get lost on this route. Really, I can't. Really.
I do have a bit of a reputation for finding unusual routes from starting point to destination - no matter where I am. I think it's genetic. But I've got a fix on Carnew. From here to Coolross - ah, the roads less traveled seem to be the ones I find. It is exceptionally beautiful countryside here near the Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow borders. Perhaps my inner chauffeur just wants to see it all. But I digress.
The trip took less time than I'd expected so I was a bit early. No matter, I was shown a suitable parking spot not far from Kathy's door and then walked into the community centre where she was finishing up her card game. We walked back to her unit and got to work.
When I bake, there is a stack of measuring cups and spoons that get pressed into service every time. Then the ingredients are assembled on the counter top ready for use. To make great brown bread, Kathy uses a sieve for "measuring" and sifting the right amount of white flour, a nice coffee mug for liquids, a large-ish spoon and fists full of this and that ingredient, a decent pour of buttermilk and water as needed. Hmmm - how will I get it right when I'm on my own?
I took lots of photos and a couple of little videos. I paid close attention. The intention was that I'd write down instructions as close to the quantities and process as possible as soon as the bread was in the oven. Well, once the bread was baking we made coffee and took it into the living room for a chat while the bread baked. I somehow missed the writing down part. It may be a while before I "try this at home" because I'll have to consult with Kathy to see if my instructions are close to what's needed. I think the process of having a coffee is an option.
We got looking at her album of prize certificates from decades of entering country fairs. They are arranged from all the first prizes through thirds. It took a lot of pages before we ran out of the firsts. She's been honoured for brown bread, soda bread, tea brack and scones and other items I've forgotten. No recipes needed for any of them - she has made so many it's all second nature.
When the bread was ready, Kathy took it out of the oven and out of the pan, dusted off the bottom of the loaf with a brush, then with the loaf upside down, put it back in the oven, lowered the temperature and we adjourned again to the living room. After about 5 minutes she turned off the oven and let the bread stay a bit longer before taking it out. What a magnificent loaf it was!
Shortly afterwards, the doorbell rang and rather than Kathy getting up I answered just for fun. The lady at the door figured she had the wrong house. However, I told her Kathy was in and both she and her little girl, both named Mary, came in for a bit. They were waiting for her father who was visiting the doctor nearby.
They joined us for coffee and Mary mentioned the lovely smell of the bread. I insisted she take part of it at least so Kathy cut off 1/4 of the loaf. I brought the rest home and made supper out of a couple of pieces and a bit of smoked salmon. Yum - best brown bread ever.
I had planned to add the video of the process but it takes forever to upload so will just stick in a photo of the finished product. Aren't you jealous?
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