Pooper Scooper
Resident Snow Shoveler
(online) Shopper Extraordinaire
Kisser of Reese's Cheeks
However, I get to add one title I've never been able to call my own:
Baker of Homemade Bread
I did it!! And it surprisingly came out looking like bread. A success indeed.
Why is it that homemade bread has always sounded so intimidating? For me, it's right up there with Creme Brulee, Flambeed Whatever, and 524 Layered Salad. And I always assumed that if you didn't have a bread maker, it wouldn't turn out right or something.
But today was my first attempt ever in the history of Jen to make homemade bread. (excluding last Friday when I started making it, but totally forgot that I had left it rising in a warm oven. Yikes. 2 hours later.... A deflated Jaba the Hut.) Something about the cozy winter-like day and the fact that we ran out of bread gave me the courage. And it's the end of the month which means the budget is ready to burst. And with gas, a trip to the nearest store to grab that loaf of bread would cost me 15 lousy buckaroos.
So. Not. Worth. It.
So I rolled up my sleeves, put on my best 50's housewife persona, and faced the yeasty beast face to face.
The results:
Don't worry - I'm becoming more and more granola every day. Shirking preservatives, shunning plastics, loathing the microwave and baking my own bread. I'm even coveting a steam cleaner. My grandma would be so proud.
I used this recipe, but I can't wait to try Deek's Gram's recipe. She makes the best wheat bread - Thick, hearty, and fulfilling. Kind of like a lady Viking opera singer, but in bread form. Unfortunately, I didn't have any dough enhancer or gluten whatever stuff that it calls for, so I just had to use good ol' honey, flour, and yeast in the basic recipe I used.
It still turned out better than I ever could have hoped.
My home was filled with the rich smell of wheat bread, and my belly was stuffed to the limit with warm homemade goodness.
I think I could get used to this.
2 comments:
Beware. Once you start you can't stop. That store stuff is just awful and I've never used dough enhancer for the rec. I just do half wheat flour and half white and it makes if fluffy enough. I believe the dough enhancer is for the 100% wheat flour diehards. Although perhaps that's what you did. Every time I pull it out of the oven, I can't resist slicing a hot piece with melted butter and oozing honey.
Wow! It looks like a perfect loaf! It really does look beautiful! Great job I must say! I might have to try your recipe. The bread here in Dallas is the pits! My husband is going through "Grandma Sycamore" withdrawals. I am glad you like winter! I was in Utah this weekend and it started to snow and was cold. When we came home to Dallas, it was a nice 80 degrees and I couldn't help but have a great big smile on my face. I love the warmth and am not a big fan of winter! Although, there is something quaint and cozy about your home/adventure! I think that it sounds so fun and you have such a positive attitude! I love reading your blog! You are so funny! Keep it up, I can't wait to hear more from your adventure!
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