Crumbs, Don't Panic!

[AngelnSteve 0]

Finally had my AoS interview (from K3) yesterday - been in US for over two years (filing done shortly before end of K3 expiration) and it was accepted in minutes. A one year stamp in passport (at my request - as she took my recently received EAD card) and 10 year card is to follow in the mail.

I cannot begin to try and convey just how much stress I've been through over this entire process, my wife and I had nothing to hide, was just the simple fact that someone, somewhere had (and has) the ability to come between me and my wife's ability to be together.

My reason for this post is largely redundant I suppose, I just wanted to add another voice to those that say try, not to worry - if you have a legitimate relationship (both on sides) there should be nothing to worry about. Sadly it will take what seems like forever). Don't stress on the negative posts on this forum either, for you will find one or two

If anyone can now tell me where I can get a decent loaf of bread I shall be completely content, a basic crusty loaf recipe is welcome (English style) - my knack for baking bread in the US is but a figment of my imagination at the moment, Walmart carries nought in that department and even Harris Teeter (snob central) have very little for a big price

(no offence intended to those who like that Bunny stuff )

[jayne d 12]

Hi. Your post is much appreciated. It is difficult waiting but when I read about other peoples successful journeys it gives me hope that I will eventually get there too, so thank you for your post.

By the way, you could try this recipe, its easy and I have had great success with it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_hollywoods_crusty_83536

Good luck for the future.

[AngelnSteve 0]

Things look like they're a little speedier than when my wife and I first started our process - though obviously it can never be fast enough.

The worry of it all was making me ill, yet on the way home from my final interview all I could think about was ultimately how much I had worried about nothing. No evil interviews, no nastiness whatsoever - everyone at the Charlotte, NC office were very friendly.

Thanks for the bread recipe, perhaps I've just been unlucky with yeast - I'll give it a try over the holidays.

Seasonal regards (Merry Christmas) to both you and your special someone, if anything we've been through can help you stay sane please feel free to message us

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Congratulations on the green card .

The most important thing to remember when baking bread in the US is to use either whole grain flour or Bread flour. All Purpose flour, unlike in Canada and the UK, is made with soft wheat instead of hard wheat. Soft wheat is great for cakes and biscuits but just doesn't make a good dough for bread. You need a hard wheat to do that. Bread flour incorporates more hard wheat than soft wheat so you will get better success. Check the expiry date on the yeast as well - I have often found expired yeast packages on the shelf at the grocery store.

I have a really easy no-knead Artisan type bread recipe as well that I make several times a week. It is super easy and really tasty. PM me if you want the recipe .