The Sharp Ears of Peter Ostroushko

by Doug MacRostie

Ostroushko is actually two Ukrainian words put together: Ostro and Ushko which mean Sharp and Ear, and as one of the most accomplished instrumentalists and gifted composers of his generation, it's no surprise that Peter Ostroushko is from the Sharp Ear family of Ukraine. I'll be talking with him this week on Centerstage MN about his long and productive music career that started in NE Minneapolis and what made him into the songwriter he is today. A multi-instrumentalist who began his professional career in high school, he concentrates on fiddle and mandolin and his first recording session was on Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks.” Since 1985 he has released 16 albums and has worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Greg Brown and many others. It's going to be a real treat talking to him.

We'll also travel back in time and hear the story of a song. John Berquist of Eveleth has been telling stories and performing traditional music of Scandanavian-Americans for almost 40 years, and he tells us about a song that came right out of the grain harvest season long ago in Northwestern MN and North Dakota. As one of the Minnesota's most respected folklorists, John presents concerts and programs that bring to life the heritage and lore of the Upper Midwest.

Plus, KAXE Intern Tim Krueth (A.K.A. Timtern) reviews Us, the latest release from Minneapolis hip-hop artist Brother Ali. BrotherAli.com describes Us as, "A profound personal glimpse into a vulnerability seldom seen or heard in music, Us touches on the strengths and flaws of the human condition, exploring drug abuse, divorce, homophobia and many more topics that most people are scared to touch in their own lives, much less on an album for the world to see."

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

First Cowbird of the Season at the KAXE Studios

by Doug MacRostie

Spring is an exciting time of year with all the returning birds and foliage, and it's always a thrill to see the first Red Wing Blackbird or hear the first call of a returning Woodcock. But, when you work at KAXE and compete with the likes of John Latimer and Scott Hall it's hard to be the 'first' to notice anything. Hence my excitement when I spotted a bird sitting outside on the windowsill!

Harry Hutchins had just finished hosting A Talk on the Wild Side and was getting ready to ride his bike to work when I pointed it out to him. "A female Cowbird," he said, "She's here a little early. Normally the males arrive first in early May. That's the first one I've seen this year." I jumped for joy! I spotted the first Cowbird at the KAXE Studios in 2010! Finally, I could swell with pride...

That's when Jennifer Poenix chimed in, "Aren't Cowbirds bad?" I knew the name sounded familiar, "I remember Laura Erickson talking about them taking over other nests," Jennifer finished. I was crushed. I spotted the 'bad bird.'

As Harry helped further explain, they are "brood parasitic" birds, which means they will lay their eggs in the nest of another bird - relieving themselves of parental responsibilities and giving them more time to play Modern Warefare 2 online... or something like that. They usually only leave one of their own eggs per nest (but, multiple females may lay an egg in the same host-nest). Obviously, such behavior is damaging to the host - and this is (seriously) called an "evolutionary arms race." See what you can learn just by looking out the window?

So my excitement over a 'first' of the year was tainted slightly by the knowledge that my discovery was in fact a free-loading, irresponsible, and generally harmful to its neighbors bird that shrugs off it's paternal responsibilities for more opportunity to find things to eat and play video games.

On second thought, I kind of relate. Sometimes you got to feed yourself! If KAXE's community was a flock of birds, I can handle being the Cowbird. Scott Hall would be the female Cardinal (he's from St. Louis), Jennifer would be the Scarlet Tanager because all of her secretive behavior, Heidi Holtan would be the Indigo Bunting because she has such a bright personality and Maggie Montgomery with her long tail would be the Magpie. John Bauer would be a Sparrow because they fly into the window the most, Steve Downing would be a Raven for the obvious reasons and Mark Tarner would be the Oriole (he's from Baltimore). Penny would be the Whooping Crane (have you ever seen her open a can of whoopass? exactly).

What have seen happening in the nature in your life?

90.5 KBXE Finds Studio Space!

4.23.10

TO: Current & Future Friends of 90.5 KBXE
FROM: Steve Downing (sdowning@kaxe.org)

On 91.7 KAXE’s 34^th birthday we’re officially announcing what some of you already know. The story was in the Bemidji Pioneer two days ago, meaning it must be true, and it is: 90.5 KBXE will join Harmony Natural Foods Cooperative in its prospective new home, the former TruStar Federal Credit Union building at 413 3^rd Street Northwest. To say that Northern Community Radio is excited about the news understates it by a lot. This arrangement was our first, best hope; it seemed to have run aground awhile back; seeing it come around again has improved everyone’s spirits.

Harmony’s new space---a 7,500 square-foot structure on a half-block of property--will have three times the retail capacity the co-op has now, plus a true loading dock, plus loads of parking, plus a genuine restaurant, plus a perfect partner in 90.5 KBXE. KBXE will be moving into the east-facing side of the building, next door to Dave’s Satellite, a 2,600 square-foot suite of rooms that we first walked through in November and have been thinking about ever since. Lease? Buy? Both? We haven’t spelled out the details yet, but this relationship feels very symbiotic. Our two membership rosters share quite a number of names. Whatever the eventual legal agreement comes to look like, the organizing principle will be win-win.

We’re still looking for a tower site. No news to report on that front. Ideas? We’re all ears.

The Publicity/PR Committee continues to meet the first Thursday of every month, at 5:30, in the meeting room at the MN Energy Resources building (corner of 2^nd & Minnesota, Bemidji) and everyone’s welcome to attend.

Next big events: “Upper Shores”: Saturday, May 1, 3:00 PM, at Beltrami History Center (130 Minnesota Avenue Southwest, Bemidji). Singer-songwriter Miriam Tell has written and gathered songs for a unique and entertaining approach to musical storytelling. A free will donation at the door will benefit both the Beltrami County Historical Society and KBXE. Be there! That same day, KBXE volunteers will be at the Council of Indian Students Pow Wow at John Glass Field House, BSU from Noon-10pm – bumper stickers and buttons for all!

Committee 1 (major donors) has been meeting regularly and has just begun approaching prospective large-gift contributors.

If anyone asks you, “What is KBXE?,” remember the short form summary we used in the first newsletter. 90.5 KBXE is a soon-to-be-built nonprofit, community/public radio station that will serve Bagley, Bemidji, Blackduck, Birch, Buzzle, and beyond. KBXE will be operated by Northern Community Radio, which has 34 years of experience doing this sort of thing (91.7 KAXE). The two stations will feed and inspire one other; the sound of Northern Community Radio will be even more creative, more diverse than ever. That’s saying something! The tower will be built near Bagley. The studios---it’s official now---will be in Bemidji. KBXE will begin broadcasting no later than March, 2012.

Please forward this to anyone you think might be interested and tell them how easy it is to get onto our list: send an email to kbxe@kbxe.org

90.5 KBXE www.kbxe.org kbxe@kbxe.org 218.326.1234 800.662.5799

Preview of a Legend on Centerstage MN

by Doug MacRostie

Tonight at 6 on Centerstage MN I'll be talking with MN Legend Willie Murphy about his new CD "A Shot of Love in a Time of Need." Consider this a preview for the 6th Annual 91.7 KAXE Mississippi River Festival and mark your calendars for July 17th!!!! More details to-be-announced. I'll also be featuring The Tisdales' "Out With the New," just released this week. Plus some Replacements and Courtney Yasmineh.

Willie Murphy is one of the most influential musicians ever from Minnesota; he was one of the original three Charter Members of MN Music Hall of Fame (along with the likes of Bob Dylan and Prince) and he helped define the sound of R&B and Blues since the 70's through today, including his work with The Angel Headed Hipsters and Willie and the Bees, not to mention his other solo projects and releases. His new double CD is called "A Shot of Live in a Time of Need / Autobiographical Notes" and Willie will talk with me about it this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN.

Willie Murphy creates thought-provoking, fun music and"A Shot of Love in a Time of Need" (his first release with Redhouse Records) is a sizzling soul, funk and R&B album complete with horns, funky rhythms and grooves beyond all boundaries. While this album doesn't have as much political content as some of his other work, the theme of caring for each other and helping each other is strong. "Autobiographical Notes" is a collection of mostly folky miscellaneous tunes he's collected over the years that never seemed to quite fit the project he was working on at the time, and it definitely shows another, and perhaps more personal, side of Willie. With this double CD featuring soul, jazz, funk, rock and folk, this wildly eccentric album embodies the best of Willie Murphy and is sure to be an instant classic.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Birthday Bash!

By Jennifer Poenix

It only happens once, and it happens this Friday! KAXE celebrates its 34th birthday! Exciting, right?

We'll have cake throughout the day, so stop by anytime after 10am. You are also invited to join us from 5-7pm for a "Happy Hour," with appetizers, drinks, and socializing.

KAXE's studios are located at 260 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids (next to the library).

Hope to see you there!

If you wish to share a birthday wish to be played on the Friday Morning Show, please call our Talkback Line: 218-999-9876.

Join John Latimer for a Phenology Walk/Birding Expedition

by Doug MacRostie

"I need an angle to write a blog about the Phenology walk coming up," I said to Heidi Holtan while sipping my soda and spinning around in my chair. "How about your love of donuts?" she asked. I paused..., she said, "Oh wait, that's MY love of donuts." And such was my dilemma.

It is true there will be donuts and even tea and coffee and sugar and cream (powder) at 8:30am this Saturday at the Gathering Place in Clearbrook (the old school gym), and I really enjoy donuts - but that's not why I'm excited. I don't have any idea what to expect on the Phenology Walk/Birding Expedition starting at 9, especially not in rice paddies. But, I guess that's what's fun about nature walks, you never know what you'll find! And when someone as passionate and knowledgeable as John Latimer is leading the way (don't tell him I said that!) tiny little plants or critters that I normally don't notice suddenly become specimens of some exotic creature. A butterfly floating by isn't a fleeting moment, it's an opportunity to observe, identify and appreciate.

With the crazy weather we've been having this Spring (and the last year) it's hard to predict what we may find. There could be thousands of migrating birds... or not. But there definitely will be coffee and tea, there will be good company, and it's looking like great weather to get outside and explore around Clearbrook and see what we find. And just like the fun of not-knowing-what-comes next of a nature walk, we've got the mixed-tastiness of a potluck at Noon back at the Gathering Place! Booya!

All are welcome at the Phenology Walk/Birding Expedition with John Latimer this Sat., the 24th at the Gathering Place in Clearbrook (221 3rd Ave SW - here's a Google Map), meeting at 8:30am for coffee and rolls, walks starting at 9 and a potluck at Noon. If you're on Facebook, the event is listed here. As you can see in the picture to the right, John is so good at this, students from all over MN send him hand-drawn portraits! BE THERE!

This event was orchestrated by the KBXE Publicity Committee, a group of local volunteers working to raise awareness of 90.5 KBXE, a new, local station being built by Northern Community Radio, who have been operating 91.7 KAXE for 34 years in Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia and the Iron Range, also heard at 89.9 in Brainerd and 105.3 in Bemidji. Get more information at KBXE.org

Original Local Music Live In Concert

91.7 KAXE and I.R.O.M.A. are pleased to announce an afternoon/evening of music on Sat. May 15th from 3-8pm, featuring local musicians under the Rotary Tent at KAXE’s Amphitheater. First up will be Sela Oveson – an intimate and emotional songwriter from Orr with a powerful voice and meaningful songs. Then Aaron Kaercher & Mike Gemberling from Ely with an eclectic mix of styles we’ll call “a unique blend of folk-rock.” After that we’ll hear the cool sounds and heated vocals of High Drama Blues – an original and intricate blues & rock band from Chisholm. And we’ll rock the night out with The Tisdales, the loudest band in MN representing Sparta and Duluth with sing-along choruses, blazing guitars and a general "lets rock" attitude. Join KAXE and I.R.O.M.A. for this FREE celebration of local ORIGINAL music, bring your own chairs and coolers. I.R.O.M.A. is the Iron Range Original Music Association, a non-profit organization working to help musicians and artists succeed in Northern MN. Call us for more information, 218-326-1234 or KAXE.org.

What's New on KAXE

Jonny Lang "Live at the Ryman"
More Than Lights "The Electric Prescription..."
Black Prairie "Feast of the Hunters' Moon"
Unkle "Where Did the Night Fall"
V.V. Brown "Travelling Like the Light"
Cadillac Sky "Letters in the Deep"
Jackson Brown & David Lindley "Love Is Strange"
Anders Osborne "American Patchwork"
Read more on the Currents Playlist...

The Things We Do For Love

Do you own a pooper scooper? A litter box? Have you ever given up the end of your bed for your pets? Are you willing to pay extra for ribbons in your poodle's fur? How far is too far in terms of medical procedures? Who, exactly, IS in charge? This Saturday from 10-Noon on Between You and Me with Heidi Holtan it's the things we do for our pets. Email heidi@kaxe.org with your story, or call out talkback line 218-999-9876 and tune in to KAXE this Saturday.

"Monster" Mike Schultz

On the Friday Morning Show, John Bauer and Heidi Holtan will be talking with "Monster" Mike Schultz from Kimball, now living in Pillager, MN. He's raced Motorcross since 1997, and Snocross since 1998.While battling for position in a Snocross race in 2008 Mike landed wrong and severely injured his left knee. After days of surgery, they ended up amputating his leg. Still determined, Mike found his prosthetic leg to be inadequate when racing so he designed his own. It worked so well that he is now working to develop and market the prosthetic equipment not only for himself but for others as well. Here the full story on KAXE's Friday Morning Show.

Made Possible by the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund

by Doug MacRostie

A cool thing happened a couple weeks ago. Centerstage MN, KAXE's program showcasing the talents of MN musicians, was added to the regular Saturday night line-up of KSRQ, Pioneer 90.1 in Thief River Falls (at the peak tune-in time of 11pm). This is exciting news and a big deal for the artist and musicians who are featured. The purpose of the show is to highlight the talent of local musicians - with this expansion, these voices are now reaching a broader audience of ears. And other pieces like interviews on RealGoodWords and commentary by Aaron Brown and Michael Goldberg have also been picked up and aired on other stations including KVSC in St. Cloud and WTIP in Grand Marais. This explosion of shared content was not by accident...

In a previous blog, I made reference to an email conversation with Todd Melby as a "Statewide Organization." I found out he actually reads my blogs when he sent me an email that said, "I'm really just one guy, in a tiny office, in south Minneapolis." To fill in the story a little bit, Todd Melby works for the AMPERS Network, 12 small independent radio stations that do specific programming that focuses on the communities they serve. KAXE, along with the rest of AMPERS, are NOT affiliated with Minesota Puplic Rdio (they don't even bother to try to be as hyper-local as we are every day :D).

Maybe I should back up a little further...

Remember the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, approved by voters in November 2008, which added a provision to Minnesota’s constitution that provides for an increase in the sales tax to support outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, as well as arts, history and cultural heritage. KAXE and the other stations of AMPERS are part of the "arts, history and culture" side of that amendment - and it has had a big impact. Part of the deal is creating a place for stations to share content, and direct result of that is the previously mentioned airing of Centerstage MN on KSRQ. There have been over 40 pieces shared between AMPERS already.

Other than the excitement of other stations carrying the content we produce at Northern Community Radio, KAXE has also benefited by receiving content: regular nature pieces from WTIP have been used on the Morning Show and as part of Phenology Plus. Same with Native programming. We got an hour long special from KBEM, "Battle of the Big Bands" featuring local (Twin Cities) musicians playing original material...for 'free' thanks to the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The best thing about this is it's all locally produced and enhances the experience for our listeners. And, we are still in the very early stages!

Which brings me back to that one guy in a tiny office in south Minneapolis... Todd I think his name is. His job is to get all us proudly independent stations (like, WAY proudly independent) to work together by saying, "Please get your content loaded, damn it. And air content from other stations, damn it. Thanks for all your work!" (I'm paraphrasing months of emails...it's w/o the "damn it" - it IS public radio, after all). Hopefully, Centerstage MN will get picked up by more stations because it is a great way to further enhance and celebrate the countless talented MN musicians - and it's made possible with support from the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund!

A perfect example of this is Sela Oveson, an amazing and unique singer/songwriter from Orr, MN who was a wonderful surprise when I had her in-studio. That interview was then also aired on KFAI in the Twin Cities and KSRQ in Thief River Falls. She is one of the brightest stars discovered on Centerstage MN, and it's great to have her talent shared all over Minnesota...just watch this video and you'll see what I mean:

I'm so EXCITED!

by Heidi Holtan

I really don't want to quote the Pointer Sisters. I mean really don't want to. As a geeky reader type who lives in Minnesota, this week is one of my favorites. But seriously, I AM so excited for this week's episode of Realgoodwords.

Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee are writers from Minneapolis/St. Paul that are known nationwide. Kate for her books and movies like "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux" and Alison is a Pulitzer Prize nominee and a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Both of them are nominated for the MN Book Awards happening this weekend in St. Paul.

Even though both of these authors write for kids, I love reading their books and talking with them. They both seem almost magical to me, and I know that sounds silly, but here's what I mean.

*When I talked with Kate she is so quick to point out, even with all her success, that she knows she's lucky she get to do what she gets to do (write books and talk to readers!). She readily admits how HARD it is for her to write, but lucky for me and for her readers, she still abides by her own rule of writing 2 pages everyday. Not at least 2 pages, but 2 pages only! Telling me that makes me think anything is possible.

*When I talked to Alison McGhee about her latest picture book "Song of Middle C" that is about a little girl about to perform at her piano recital, she reminded me that we occasionally need to do things in our lives (adults I'm talking to you!) that we aren't good at. Things we can't POSSIBLY ever be that good at. Like taking up the piano. How liberating, to not expect perfection but only practice.

Hope you get a chance to hear the program this week - Wednesdays from 6-7pm and Sunday mornings from 9-10. You can check the archive later in the week as well....

Guido's First Dilly Bar

By Jennifer Poenix

John Bauer was having a rough day on Monday (see previous blog). To remedy his situation, he offered to get KAXE's staff Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen. See, John really is a nice guy.

"Steve-o, you want a Dilly Bar?" John said to Steve Downing (aka Guido).

"A what? A Dilly Bar?" Guido replied.

He had never heard of such a thing. I couldn't believe it. Here's a guy who grew up in Grand Rapids with easy access to a Dairy Queen for most of his life, and yet he didn't know what a Dilly Bar is. According to wikipedia, the Dilly Bar originated in 1955. That's plenty of time to get acquainted with one, right?

John came back with two boxes of chocolate Dilly Bars, and everyone eagerly awaited Guido's first bite. Not only because it was his first Dilly Bar, but also because he hardly eats anything around here.

"It's not bad," said Guido. "It reminds me of something we used to eat when we were kids."

A Dilly Bar, perhaps?

Have you ever had one of those days? Called Monday?

by Heidi Holtan, KAXE's Outreach Producer

Maybe you showed up to work with two different shoes (Dan Houg). Maybe you forgot to shave or forgot your lunch or thought it was Wednesday when it was really Tuesday.

John Bauer started his week off a little shaky yesterday. Or so he came to learn. He threw on clothes, came to work, stopped in to see his wife at her workplace where he found out something that practically shut his Monday down.

She said to him, "Why are you wearing my jeans?"

Turns out he WAS indeed wearing his wife's jeans.

"That's why I'm chafing!" he said.

Later in the day he had to address a community group. Due to the tightness, John had changed to some gym shorts in his car. Gym shorts with paint splotches on them.

He got up to speak at the event and everyone's head went up and down, eyeballing and trying desperately to understand why someone would not just go out in public, but address a community group wearing gym shorts.

"Have I got a story for you..." John started off with. Within a matter of moments he had them eating out his hand. Overheard between a husband and wife at the meeting was "I'm NEVER getting into your pants!"

Ahh, Mondays. Beautiful Mondays. How was yours?

From Urban Hillbillies to Native Hip-Hoppers

by Doug MacRostie

In a recent e-mail conversation with a Statewide organization, it was asked if Centerstage MN can be easily categorized into a sub-genre like folk, blues or rock... I responded that CSMN is purposefully programmed and produced to NOT fit into any category other than "music" and I've got the mondo-variety this week to prove it with the Urban Hillbilly Quartet in-studio, music from Trampled by Turtles new CD "Palomino" and Leech Lake hip-hop artist Mino Biimadiziwin. Tune in this Thursday night at 6!

Erik Brandt and the Urban Hillbilly Quartet are a St. Paul based Americana roots-rock band who just released their 7th album, "Bring in the Sails," after starting as a jam session back in 1995. Their music ranges from traditionally influenced Americana to modern rock, often blending these and other styles together for a unique and engaging, story-driven presentation. They've also been traveling with a projector and artist doing live and original art during performances - making this the first time a multi-media presentation is being performed on Centerstage MN in the air-studio.

Trampled by Turtles new CD "Palomino" is another excellent release from this Duluth based eclectic band. While still instantly identifiable as Turtles, this album once again features the band pushing the boundaries of "new-grass," lead by the intimate and passionate lyrics of Dave Simonett. Sometimes furiously fast, other times consumingly slow, always outstanding. I'm working on getting Dave on to talk about it in the near future :D

We'll also hear another song from More Than Lights' "The Electric Prescription for All Your Funky Illz," a great hybrid CD of rock/hip-hop along with a new artist to Centerstage MN, Mino Biimadiziwin (formerly known as Wah Wah Tay). I don't know much about him yet other than he's from the Leech Lake Rez and the video for his song Indigenous Holocaust is a breathtakingly powerful piece about the historical trauma on Native American people. He samples from The Dixie Chicks "Not Ready to Make Nice" (a Grammy-winning song penned by MN's own Dan Wilson). Check out the video:



Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Having a KAXE bumpersticker pays off!!!

by Heidi Holtan, KAXE's Outreach Producer

Brenda Greeley is a longtime member of KAXE (and former staffer!) and like any mom, she's always been concerned about keeping her kids safe.

"When Cait turned 16 we contemplated finding a used car for her to use. I was sick with worry but then my husband reminded me that she wasn't going to be alone out there on the roads."

Brenda and her husband Mark protected their young daughter with two things.

a. They ripped the knob off the radio on 91.7fm
b. They put a KAXE bumper sticker on the back bumper.

Consumer and safety expert Lance "Crash" Martin was the first in his field to note this unusual occurrence. "KAXE bumper stickers have proven to be one of the best indicators of durability and crash-less-ness. Quite frankly we don't get it. It's a sticker. And it's not the most attractive shade of green either!"

The Greeley's attention to detail and support of KAXE paid off. Young Caitlin used the car without problem or incident until her recent move to the West Coast. According to her facebook page, she credits her steady diet of KAXE's Realgoodwords, On the River and live music events as one of the reasons she's a well rounded individual. Modest to the core, sources close to Caitlin say it goes much deeper. "She's cool man. I mean super-cool. Knows music. Knows ridiculous trivia. And once she even started spouting off some stuff about birds and maple syrup and some guy named Martin Sexton!"

Recently the Greeley's put the trusty KAXE wagon up for sale. Brenda said, "In my heart of hearts I really knew it to be true that we would sell to someone who listens to KAXE!!! The buyer noticed right off that it had a KAXE bumper sticker and he had no problem that we ripped the knob off to 91.7fm. He listens to KAXE and loves it! It's the KAXE Connection!"

Got a KAXE bumper sticker story? Let us know!!!

Bread recipe from KAXE's mini Empty Bowls

Last Saturday's Empty Bowls at KAXE was a great success! Thanks to Joan from Brewed Awakenings for the borscht, Karla from Grand Organic Market for the chili, Frieda Hall for the pumpkin soup, Gail Otteson for the Split pea soup and Sarah MacRostie for the chicken noodle. Another big thanks to Ross Williams for providing his homemade bread!

The big events to support Second Harvest North Central Food Bank and the Community Cafe are happening this week. Wednesday night from 5-7pm is the CELEBRITY BOWL RECEPTION at the MacRostie Art Center. It is a silent auction of professionally made bowls and a preview of one of a kind bowls. Thursday is the main event. EMPTY BOWLS is at the Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $15 and include soup/bread and a handcrafted bowl.

Every contribution you make to Empty Bowls goes directly to serve the people facing hunger in northern Minnesota.

Here are Ross's bread recipes!

No-Knead Bread

Published in New York Times: November 8, 2006
Adapted from Jim Lahey, Sullivan Street Bakery
Time: About 1½ hours plus 14 to 20 hours' rising
The Minimalist: The Secret of Great Bread: Let Time Do the Work (November 8, 2006)

3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting
1 5/8 cups water (use 1 1/2 cups for easier to handle dough if measuring flour using scoop and level method)
¼ teaspoon instant yeast
1¼ teaspoons salt
Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed.


Alternative Fast No-Knead Bread
3 cups flour
1 5/8 cup very warm, almost hot water
¼ teaspoon yeast
1 ¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon red wine vinegar

will raise much faster

Pane Integrale (Whole-Wheat Bread)
(NYT adapted from Jim Lahey,'s My Bread)
2 1/4 cups (300 grams) bread flour
3/4 cup (100 grams) wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons (8 grams) table salt
1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) instant or dry active yeast
1 1/4 cups (300 grams) cool water (55 to 65 degrees)
Wheat bran, cornmeal or flour, for dusting

1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.

2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.

3. Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

4. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is O.K. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

Yield: One 1½-pound loaf.

Sour Dough
3/2008

Sponge:
1 cup starter
1 cup water
1 cup flour

Dough:
Put starter above in bread machine, add:
2 cups flour
1.5 teaspoons salt
1-2 T rye flour

Mix on dough or pizza cycle

Remove and place on board heavily floured with semolina flour
Leave over night to raise on board covered with wet towell ( you may have to rewet towel to get it off)
fold over and let rise
put pan in oven and heat to 450 degrees
slash top and slid bread into heated pan
cover and put in oven

Sour Dough Alternative 2
1 cup starter
1 cup water
3 cups flour
1.5 teaspoons of salt

Mix in bowl
Let raise at least overnight
Line a basket with a floured towell
place loaf in basket
Let rise until doubled
Put in basket and cut top with scissors
Bake as above


Rosemary Pepper Bread
adapted from "Bread Machine Baking" by Lorie Brody and Millie Apter

1 ½ T (generous T) fresh rosemary (or 1 T dried)
1 ½ T honey
1 ½ T vegetable oil
¾ C water + 1 T water
1/3 C quick cooking oats (used non-quick)
3 T cornmeal
2 ½ C unbleached white flour (used bread flour)
1 t salt
3 T nonfat dried milk (used instant)
1 t coarsely ground black pepper
2 t yeast
Note: This is made by adding all the ingredients to a bread machine which will mix and bake it. I just use the bread machine to make the dough and then form it and bake it in the oven. You could do everything by hand. You will need to mix and knead it, let it rise, punch it down and let it rise again.Then punch it down and form it into loaf. Let rise until doubled and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes or until internal temperature is between 190 and 200 degrees. The loaf will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.