The need to knead: Baking bread soothes the soul

What could be better to shake the late winter blues than a kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. It's as comforting as a summer breeze.

White Bread

In "Artisan Bread at Home," Eric Kastel says this basic recipe has many uses, from sandwiches to toast.

Makes 2 loaves

1 cup plus 2½ tablespoons water, at 75 degrees

3 tablespoons butter

¼ teaspoon malt syrup

3 cups plus 3½ tablespoons bread flour

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar

1½ teaspoons dry yeast

Hot Bread

Makes 1 loaf

This is how experienced home cooks make their bread. This recipe is from Carla Kimmons.

2¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup warm water

1 package dry yeast (regular)

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons melted margarine

1 teaspoon salt

Doctoring brownie mix into something OMG good

Brownies may be delicious on their own, but sometimes you want one that's more than just. a brownie. So we decided to see what would happen if we pushed brownies over the top.

Frozen shrimp are ideal for an elegant meal

Shrimp are one of those ideal go-to ingredients to have in the freezer. You can take them out and have them ready at a moment's notice.

Baked, broiled or sauteed, these crustaceans make for a snappy meal and happy diners.

Celebrate St. Pat's Day with healthy bangers and mash

Tucking into a heap of bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes) certainly fits the St. Patrick's Day spirit. It just doesn't often fit into a healthy diet.

Lou and Lucy's Leftovers: Wine tasting

Like a kid in a candy shop. That expression held true for me Friday night when I attended the WGBY wine tasting at the Marriott in Springfield. Wow. Wine, wine, wine, and then some more wine. Easily hundreds of bottles. I think I had about 47 little glasses of wine. If you like wine you will love this event. I like wine and I loved this event.