Thinking about shortcuts this morning while I was kneading bread. Kneading bread is good for thinking. It’s hard to multitask when your hands are sticky with dough, but your mind is free to wander.

Funny thing about bread making. The No-Knead Method was a revelation to me. The simplicity of it. The crusty end product. Definitely an addition to my repertoire. But, in my mind, it’s assembling bread rather than actually making it. I love the feel of the dough when it springs back and gives the feeling of taking on life. That part of the process only comes from the traditional method. Having said all of that, I’ll still make No-Knead bread. Just not exclusively.

I’m not opposed to shortcuts in general. One, in particular, is a major boon to summer entertaining around here. Cole slaw is pretty much a summer staple. I have Betsy to thank for introducing me to Marie’s Cole Slaw Dressing. It tastes homemade. Actually, better than homemade. Makes the cole slaw part of a cookout the easiest part of the meal.

I guess the trick is being selective. There’s a time for quick and easy, and a time for making something from scratch. We’re planning to have pizza tonight. I’ll make the dough and sauté onions, peppers and mushrooms. Maybe spread some pesto on the dough before it gets topped with crushed tomatoes and cheese. Would it be simpler to pick up a pizza from our local shop? Absolutely, and we’ve done it. But today, I’ll happily create one at home.

As for our next bowl of cole slaw. I’ll stick with Marie’s!