Jochen Ditterich

The column that appears in today edition of The Grand Rapids Press starts out like this…

I was an over-caffeinated journalism student when I fell in love with fiber art.

After years of artistic dabbling, something clicked during my last semester of college. I was assigned an uncooperative loom with string heddles in an elective art class. The loom was old and difficult, but I loved the challenge of it, often heading back to the art building after hours to weave some more.

The rhythm and repetition of throwing the shuttle back and forth was a surprising comfort and tempted me to postpone graduation to study art.

Read the rest of the column

When I stopped by to interview Jochen he offered me a healthy scone. I didn’t think it was possible for a scone to taste good and be healthy, so I didn’t expect to enjoy an oatmeal-based treat. But I ended up asking for the recipe before heading back to the newspaper. An avid cyclist, Jochen said he often takes a couple with him to snack on when he’s on long rides. As a young man he would ride 70 miles each way from his home in Germany to the Baltic Sea on a little Sunday joy ride, so his bike rides tend to last several miles.

I made a batch of my own scones about a week ago and I have to say they didn’t taste as great as Jochen’s, but I’m pretty sure it was operator error. Plus, I’m used to playing second fiddle to Jochen. Now I know he weaves, cooks and cycles better than me and I’m totally cool with that.

I could weave for the next 50 years and still not be able to master the way he mixes colors in his gorgeous chenille scarves. His work is widely sought after here in West Michigan.

Here’s the recipe so you can give these healthy treats a try, too. I can’t help but wonder how they would taste with chocolate chips instead of raisins and dried cranberries. Hmm…

Jochen’s Breakfast Scones

2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Mix the ingredients list above. The add:

1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 walnuts

Mix it up again. Then add:

1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
24 ounces Dannon Light an Fit Vanilla yogurt

Mix well. Add flour if the batter appears too runny. Then spoon out on a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes.