Smokey’s Official Statement Regarding the Bread

A quick note from the cottage porch: This journal entry contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you use these links to gather your supplies from Amazon or Walmart, a small commission floats back to the cottage to keep the kettle boiling, at no extra cost to you.

There has been a great deal of discussion this week about a loaf of rosemary bread.

As the cottage’s Senior Supervisor of Domestic Affairs, I feel it is important to clarify a few things.

First of all…

I was present.

This is an often-overlooked but absolutely essential part of baking.

Someone must ensure the flour remains under close observation.

Someone must inspect every cupboard that is opened.

Someone must sit directly in the patch of sunlight where people are likely to need to stand.

These responsibilities are not for the faint of heart.

I accepted them willingly.

Maeve appears to believe she made the bread.

This is a charming misunderstanding.

While she mixed ingredients and kneaded dough, I maintained continuous oversight from the nearest chair.

Occasionally I closed my eyes.

This was not sleeping.

It was deep concentration.

The loaf rose beautifully under my supervision.

The kitchen remained peaceful because I was there.

The butter was inspected thoroughly.

Twice.

I also performed an important safety check by sniffing the rosemary.

I remain unconvinced.

It smells suspiciously like outside.

Fortunately, it behaved itself once baked.

When the bread finally came out of the oven, I conducted my final quality inspection from beneath the kitchen table.

A crumb may have become available.

I can neither confirm nor deny this allegation.

In conclusion, I would like the record to show that I was indispensable to the success of this project.

Maeve may keep the recipe card.

I shall keep the chair.

It was my favorite part anyway.

— Smokey

Editor’s Note from Maeve:

Smokey’s contributions included:

• One nap.
• Three stretches.
• Two very serious sniffs.
• Zero measurable assistance.

He has asked that I mention none of this.

So, naturally, I won’t.

☕ Maeve's Cozy Tea Rituals

A curated collection of teas, mugs, honey, infusers, and cozy companions inspired by quiet mornings at Moonbeam Cottage.

Browse Maeve's Favorites