Bread!

Ahhh...there is nothing like the smell of fresh bread baking in your own oven!  If only you could smell the aroma filling my house right now.  Based on smell alone, I would say my first attempt at making bread was a success.  It is cooling right now, and before I finish writing this post, I am sure I will have an update on the taste.  I'm not sure I can wait until tomorrow.  I did the math and my organic bread cost around $2.30.  I pay $2.98 for Whole Foods Organic Bread and the brand names are close to $4.00!  If this bread tastes as good as it smells, I'd say I am sold.  A bonus?  It was super easy!  I mixed up the dough in about 3 minutes and let my Kitchen Aid dough hook knead it for a bit, then finished it off by hand in about 10.  Of course I had to let it rise, knead it again and let it rise again, but that was effortless.  Enjoy!


Honey Wheat Bread (taken from www.tammysrecipes.com)

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (110-115 º F)
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons instant active dry yeast (active dry yeast will work also, just make sure your water is around 130º F)

Instructions: 

1. *Combine first 6 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir.

2. Add flours and yeast, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover with a clean towel and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.

Teaching the fine art of kneading...

...or pounding

3. Punch dough down; knead for a few minutes until smooth and then form into a loaf. Place in greased loaf pan and cover. Let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

            

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. If loaf starts browning too soon, lightly lay a piece of foil on top.

5. Remove bread from oven and allow to rest in pan for a few minutes. Remove to a wire rack and cover with a cloth. Slice and enjoy while still warm!  Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight bag or frozen until needed.

Update on flavor:  I pulled a smidge off the end and it is yummy, but could use a bit more sweetness.  Next time I am going to try another tablespoon of honey and maybe a bit more sugar.  :)