Lazy Spring Afternoon

A couple of days ago, as I enjoyed this beautiful weather, I decided to make some Amish White Bread. Baking is one of my many passions, and luckily, one of the things I'm actually good at. And being the clever individual that I am (har har) I remembered to document my baking adventure with pictures. Please gaze upon the beauty below and you shall be rewarded with the recipe for this delicious, sweet bread.

 

 

Amish White Bread

 2 c. warm water (110°F)

2/3 c. white granulated suger

1 1/2 tbsp. active dry yeast

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 c. vegetable oil

6 c. bread flour

1 .) In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles creamy foam. 

2.) Mix salt and oil into the yeast mixture. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

3.) Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well oiled loaf pans. Cover with saran wrap and allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen about 1 inch above pans.

4.) Preheat oven to 350ºF and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden.

Remember, too much kneading will lead to tough bread!

Splendor in the Grass...

The weather here in Michigan has been insane. In the 30's one day, 60's the next. All this week it will be between 60°F and 70°F. While I thoroughly enjoy this weather, I can't help but to think it spells doom. But whatever, that has nothing to do with this post.

I am obsessed with nature; a true tree hugger. (I know, how very stereotypically Pagan of me.) For the past year I have been researching and carefully planning out my first adult (meaning organized) vegetable and herb garden. I've also spent the last two years experimenting with different plants. So imagine my heartbreak when I realized that I will be moving in Spring, right during prime planting season. My hopes and dreams have been shattered, take pity on my poor soul!! Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic, but I was am disappointed. My only options this year are to plant in boxes and large containers so they can be transported, or to take over my friend's giant backyard. Decisions, decisions. Either way I already started some seeds last night. In the words of Matthew Wilder, "Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride, nobody's gonna hold me down!! Oh-no!!".  And on that delightful note I leave you with some Earthy eye candy.