I seem to be associating best with animated animals at the moment, and this week I’ve been feeling all kinds of Eeyore. I hate being so negative and doomy, I desperately want to be one of these radiant, positive, cup half-full people, but I’m so NOT (again), and this week has been an especially crappy one.
The weather has been sporadically horrid, I’m facing quite a bit of uncertainty with a few personal matters, I feel lonely and scared and I would quite like to run away from it all for a bit whilst things sort themselves out… I’m thinking Majorca, Portugal, or southern Italy… France would also be good. Yes, take me to one of these places please.
As you all know by now, when I feel out of control, I find myself getting completely lost in things that fascinate me, divert my attention, and ultimately provide some temporary relief from the whirring worries.
Thus, in the past 7 days, I have:
Baked the same batch of seeded bread rolls on 3 consecutive days = freezer full of rolls.
Made a second batch of my new favourite sweet brioche buns (recipe below, try them and be happy)
Made a batch of fudgy, BROWN BUTTER brownies that changed my life (not being dramatic at all), and I cannot wait to tell you about them properly in a few weeks
Spent a long time considering & then experimenting with pancakes... also have some exciting* discoveries to share from this.
*exciting if, like me, you find pancake discoveries a thrill a minute.Made soup and curry, changed my bed, and washed my hair, I watched episodes of the Good Life (so wholesome)
Found myself reminiscing about things I ate as a kid, anyone remember Winders? And Burtons Cartoonies? (If not Google them and see what you were missing)
Eaten jacket potatoes with melty cheese, reheats of pasta bake (upgrade on the original).
Made fresh pasta, and downed jugs of chamomile tea (practicing the art of zen).
None of these things made the worries go away, but they made them a bit less spikey for a while which helped a little. I also read a quote that, as difficult as it is to practice when things feel scary and out of control, is very wise, and true, and we should all take a minute to practice it:
“When it all feels like too much, focus on what you can control. One foot in front of the other. One step at a time. Little by little, you will get there.’
And so on that note, I’m off to tentatively put one foot in front of the other and navigate this next week as bravely as I can… we can do this.
Love and hugs to you all!
Steph X X X
p.s. oh and these buns below – V.Good. Think brioche/panettone vibes with hints of Terry’s chocolate orange and a bit of almond-y crunch – drool!
Dark chocolate Orange and almond brioche buns
These buns are comprised of a rich brioche dough, made ultra-tender and squishy with the inclusion of a tangzhong roux. The dough is infused with orange zest, speckled with toasted almonds, and jewelled with pockets of dark chocolate which melt and become fudgy once baked. The top of the buns is brushed with a sweet, almond-flavoured glaze which yields a wicked crunchy exterior.
Yes, it’s a bit of a marathon bake, but consider it a form of mindfulness. Start this baking project on a Saturday afternoon and finish it early Sunday morning, enjoy the fruits of your labour mid-morning. Serve them slightly warm, greedily torn from their sibling buns, and spread with plenty of butter. Enjoy!
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