Early Risers

So, it's 2.45am and rest of the world are tucked up in bed, animals are asleep ( apart from our cockerel who seems to have dementia ! ), children are dreaming and it's pitch black outside - however this is when my day starts.

Ovens on, tins washed ( why didn't I do them yesterday! ) caffeine ready - should I wake the wife to help? NO WAY this is my time - no distractions, no moaning about the mess and no attempts to direct me on " a more efficient way of doing that" !! As much as I yawn and fight against the alarm going off, this is a great time of day for the baker - it's just me and my bread...

Orders for:

14 pasties ( office workers quick solution for lunch )

28 loaves for various sources

28 cookies ( raisin, chocolate chip and might try out my new recipe - white chocolate orange )

a sponge cake or two

Billionaires shortbread ( which I have to hide from the wife and kids or it doesn't make it to sale!)

Baguettes and rolls for a local sandwich van who to my benefit, is unusually determined to raise the standards against competitors and educate her customer base on the wonders of artisan breads.

The gentle humming of my Hobart mixer as these simple ingredients take life - it's going to be a good day