Backwoods (Bastardized) Banana Cream Pie

You are probably already laughing from the title of this post... and, if you know me at all, you know that I have never seen nor likely know anything of what said "backwoods" are like. I have been a self-proclaimed "inside girl" for many many years now. It's not that I don't like the outside... I have allergies... I whine... I get cold... I whine... hahah. Wow, I'm really giving myself the good sell, aren't I?

The addition of the pup to the zoo has been good for kicking my butt and getting me into the vast "outside world." Don't get me wrong... I'm no backwoods convert and my camping experience will be limited to the queen-size air mattress that I found in the discount bin at Superstore (a steal at $12.40!) but I have come to really love and enjoy my morning (and afternoon and evening) walks with Charlie.

Ok, ok... back to the backwoods (bastardized) banana cream pie. I was tasked with coming up with dessert options for the BF's upcoming backwoods canoe trip. This is beyond the camping that most of us have experience with. They carry everything that they will need for 10 days... themselves... in backpacks... (insert: shocked expression). So, their supplies are dried, dehydrated or freeze-dried within an inch of palatable. There would be absolutely NOTHING better than a sweet-treat at the end of a long day of hiking, portaging and canoeing.

So, for the backwoods campin' man or woman in your life... or, for yourself, if you are so inclined... here is a guide (I can't bring myself to say recipe) for an easy sweet-treat.

Breaducation... Who doesn't *heart* bread?!

There has been so much breaducation in my life of late...

I've taken my own stabs at breadmaking... dreaming of the days where I will nuture and grow my own sourdough starter like a precious child... but loving every leavening moment and yeasty-bready perfume in the interim.

Then there was the Breaducation night (here's the story, courtesy of Edmonton food blogger and photographer Maki of In My Element) at the lovely Sarah's coffee boutique, Luzzara, on Whyte Avenue (Edmonton, AB) featuring the bread-making stylings of Owen of Prairie Mill Bakery (found in both Edmonton and Calgary) and Chris of eatingisthehardestpart.com. Partially, it was a great opportunity to learn more about making a great loaf... but also an amazing excuse to eat the amazing loaves produced by each of these gents (some amazing artisan sourdoughs from Chris and my favourite Corn Millet (among others) from Owen). (Lots of links there... but lots of great people for you to "meet"!)

Next up, Momma became a bread making fiend as she prepared for her artisan bread making class that she was teaching in St Albert. As her prep seemed to necessitate baking a loaf a day, I found myself happily immersed in the land of bread.

Bread! Bread! Bread!

Twitter has been amazing for connecting me with everyone that I mentioned above... and that is exactly how I ended up finding my new fave for bread and other bakery goodies, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. I have been envious of those ordering loaves of bread for delivery to their offices on Tuesday and tantalized by the weekly creations available in their storefront.