Multigrain Bread

Homemade bread was always something I was afraid to attempt. I have always heard how time consuming and difficult it can be. But as I once again checked ingredient labels, even on bakery breads from the grocery store, I decided I really wanted to learn how to.

I tried several recipes, some were okay, some looked like bread but didn't taste like it, and some did not resemble bread in any way, shape or form. So many of the recipes I found had both whole wheat flour and white flour, if I am going to spend the time to make bread I want it to at least be healthy. Don't get me wrong, I love a good white bread. Everything in moderation, it is impossible to be good all the time.

Another thing I was looking for was a good crusty bread, this recipe had both so I gave it a shot. I have made this bread several times and it has turned out good every time. And I promise it really isn't hard.

This recipe is from a website http://www.cookingbread.com/

The night before you bake the bread you will make a soaker and a starter.

Starter

1 1/2 C whole wheat flour

1/4 t. instant yeast

3/4 C. warm water

Soaker

1/2C. steel cut oats

1/2 C. toasted cracked wheat

1/2 C. whole wheat flour

1/2 t. salt

3/4 C. buttermilk

Next day ingredients

1/2 C. whole wheat flour

1/4 C. flax meal

1/2 t. salt

2 t. instant yeast

3T.maple syrup

1 T. olive oil

Mix together starter ingredients in a bowl then mix soaker in a separate bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave for 12-16 hours.

This is what it will look like the next morning.

The next morning combine starter and soaker in a large bowl, add oil, maple syrup and mix together with your hand. Add flax meal, salt and instant yeast. Continue to mix until well blended. Allow mixture to sit uncovered for 15 Min's. Place about about a 1/4 C. of whole wheat flour on a flat surface. Pour dough onto flour and sprinkle a little more on top. Start to knead in the flour and continue to add the rest of the flour until you get a smooth and elastic dough, about 8-10 Min's. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky. Pour a little olive oil into a bowl and place the dough in the bowl and turn dough over. Cover with plastic wrap.

Allow to rest until double in bulk, about 1 hour

After the dough has risen, pour out onto a flat surface. Cut dough in half. Using your fingers flatten the dough without completely removing all the air. Slowly start to roll the dough like a jelly roll. With each turn press down your thumb and seal. Continue to roll until all rolled and pinch seam closed with your fingers. Using your hands try to shape dough into a torpedo shape. Do the same with other piece.

Sprinkle a little cornmeal onto parchment paper covered cookie sheet and place loves on top. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 450 Degrees. Place a cast iron skillet on bottom of oven, to create steam.
After the dough has risen, beat one egg white until foamy, brush foam on loaves. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and score the tops of loaves. Place loves in oven and pour about 1 Cup of boiling water into the cast iron skillet and close door. Bake for about 20-25 Min's or until bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

The hardest part is timing, I have figured out you need to be home for 3 1/2- 4hrs for rising and kneading process. However you have an hour or two when the dough is rising if you do need to run an errand. The amount of time you are actually working on the bread is not much at all, just let the yeast and the oven do all the work.

There are not many things in this world that are more comforting then a house full of the aroma of freshly baked bread.

The Corner Desk

I saw this darling corner desk at a local thrift shop. I was drawn to it immediately but wondered if I could really make it look beautiful again. I knew it was going to need to be sanded because its last paint job was peeling off and it was very smooth, not rough enough for paint to stick to.

I had never used a sander before, I was afraid it would be really hard. It wasn't a huge piece of equipment like I had pictured, it was small and light. I was pleasantly surprised, it was really easy. Anyone could do it!

I will warn you, doing this created quite a bit of dust. It would be good to wear a mask and cover anything important in the area you are doing the job.

It is also a good idea to clean up well before you begin to paint. I did not take the time to sweep the floor after sanding and got really nervous when the wind would blow. It could have blown all the dust on the wet paint. Take the time to clean up, and also make sure you have a clean surface to paint on.

Finished product

There would have been a time when I would have passed this desk up and thought it would not be worth the work. It was well worth it , and it was very enjoyable to bring back to life again.

What did take the most time and what I was mostly afraid to attempt was the fine details. I just found a small paint brush that fit perfectly into the groves. I had to keep a wet wash cloth close to clean up when I got out of the lines.

Next time you see something old that used to be beautiful, don't think about the work. Realize you can do it, and it will be well worth it.

Buttermilk Ranch

It seems when I make a recipe that calls for buttermilk I use about a cup or so and the rest sits in the fridge until it goes bad. I really hate when that happens, and it shouldn't, we should know what to do with left over buttermilk. There are actually a lot of wonderfully delicious recipes you can make with buttermilk, pancakes, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and ranch dressing.

Take a look at the ingredients of the ranch dressing on the door of your refrigerator, that has undoubtedly been there at least a month or so. I was surprised when I did, well not really.

This is Martha Stewart's buttermilk ranch dressing recipe, it only has a few ingredients and they are all ones you can pronounce. This will only last about a week in your refrigerator. But that also lets you know it is meant to be a treat, not an everyday condiment.

3/4 C. Buttermilk

1/2 C. real Mayonnaise

1/4 C. finely chopped Shallot

2 T. fresh Chives

1T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 t. Salt

1/4 t. Pepper

1/4 t. Celery Salt

Whisk all ingredients together and enjoy.

Make the salad or vegetable tray you take to your next gathering extra special.