I saw this quote on the website True Activist – and I’ve been thinking about it – trying to work out if it’s really true or not….
For what it’s worth, I think NOT following your heart can also mean losing your mind. So maybe losing your mind a little is underrated. Maybe you have to lose it a little before you really find yourself.
Either way, I think you have to follow your heart. And while I pondered all this, I danced around my kitchen and baked up a batch of soda bread. SO good!
Cinnamon Raisin Soda Bread (adapted from a recipe in Canadian House and Home)
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup buttermilk (I used 1/8 cup vinegar and 7/8 cup of milk – and I also made a dairy-free (vegan) version using almond milk and vinegar – worked perfectly)
Preheat oven to 400 deg F.
Mix together the flours, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir well so that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed. Add the raisins. Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently.
Turn onto a lightly floured board and roll the dough once or twice to coat in flour. Form into a ball. Slash top with a sharp knife to make an X. Place in a well-buttered Pyrex dish (1 quart should be fine) or on a pie plate. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until browned and crusty. Cool on a wire rack.
Sun-Dried Tomato, Olive, and Rosemary Soda Bread (pictured below)
Make as above but omit the cinnamon and raisins. Cut the salt to 1/2 tsp. Add 1/4 cup chopped black kalamata olives, 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (the kind in oil) and 2 tsp fresh, chopped rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary).
♥ Jam Tart ♥ 
I’m a sucker for bread, Aunt Lindy!!! I’m worried what this “quick bread” recipe will do to my hips… 🙂 I can’t wait to try it…and I may share it with others. Xoxo
Oh Donna – you’re such a sweetheart. You can cut this bread super finely and then it doesn’t do anything to your hips! Plus seriously Donna – you’re gorgeous and who cares about hips?
I missed “owling” again – I know. I’ve discovered – but not been yet – to an owl sanctuary near Niagara. I just wish you lived about 200 miles closer and I’d be there in a flash to go owling with you. xox
Think I might try this tomorrow night. I sort of would prefer to go with the olive version, excepting for the lack of olives in my fridge right now. I seem to go through so many of them! May not be able to buy the rosemary. Huh, will figure that out tomorrow 🙂 Your bread looks amazing, btw.
Thanks Johnny – coming from you – with all your fabulous breads that’s a much appreciated compliment! The olive version was great with a wedge of cheese (and a glass of wine) but the raisin one was, I think, even better. 😉
The bread drew me in and then I got sucked in with ‘following your heart means losing your mind’ I have turned it over and over in my mind. It makes me think of the saying when someone has gone and done something exciting or swayed from normal ‘has he lost his mind’ which could mean they have followed their heart?
Then I read fresh bread in half an hour and I was back to the recipe. The winds are howling here and I don’t fancy going out for bread, maybe just maybe I will be making this today because it looks and sounds fabulous!
Maria – this is precisely why I missed you so much. I think you are absolutely right. If someone strays from the norm we assume they’ve lost their minds rather than assuming they are following their hearts. I guess the trick is knowing when, and where, and how far to follow our hearts. Not always as simple as it sounds.
Despite the ocean between us – the wind is also howling here.
xo
The trouble is when we lose our mind to follow our hearts it might us happy but you will find it makes everyone else unhappy and uneasy – and then the control is gone!!
Amazing post, Lindy!! Truly, I have no words. You’ve said them all. 🙂
Kenley
P.S. The bread looks awesome!
Kenley – you’re a darling. I know I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it because it’s SO true. xo
I love reading your posts. Wonderful stories intertwined with great recipes. I had the honor of hearing Mr. Waters in Houston many years ago. I have been smitten with the blues for as long as I can remember and seeing him in person is something I will never forget. Love soda bread, your loaf looks wonderful.
Suzanne – thank you so much. How fabulous to see Muddy Waters – such a remarkable man. When he told his life story on radio, I had tears running down my face. xo
This will definitely be a must try for me my friend. Superbly written, as always. Hope to see you soon. Xxxxoooo
Kendra – darling -thank you. I would love to see you. Come and have lunch at my place. xoxoxoxo
“if you haven’t known the blues, just keep livin’…haven’t known great joy, just keep livin'”…gosh,I needed that!
I think we all need that from time to time Tonette. I guess that’s life! xo
Love your post and love your bread. I think I would enjoy your savory version.
Thanks Karen. I’m loving your epic trip. WOW!!!
That is so nice…thank you.
Gorgeous meditation *plus* a delicious sounding recipe. Outstanding! I’ll have to see if I can find the interview online somewhere–sounds lovely, too. Thanks for sharing it all!
Kathryn
Hello Kathryn – so interesting that it never even occurred to me to try to find that Muddy Waters interview online. But of course – it must be on the CBC somewhere. Now I’m going to go try and find it myself. Thank you for the lovely comment – and for finding me. Lindy