First attempt

I made two loaves of Grandma Green's bread this afternoon. I have always, for some strange reason, feared baking bread. It has loomed over me as this unattainable goal, only to be achieved by truly accomplished cooks.

 

Not so.

 

I have proved, without a shadow of a doubt, that even us amateur cooks can bake the perfect loaf of bread. I didn't start the dough till after we came home from picking Lillie up at school. And we were snacking on it for supper by 5:30.

 

It was a breeze.

 I started the dough rising and went to begin (admittedly late) the day's school work with Ian.

While he was coloring the letter of the week, I punched it down to rise again.

While he was making a vine out of a craft stick, construction paper and twine, I put it in the pans.

While he was coloring the illustration of the nursery rhyme for the week, I put it in the oven.

 

By the time school was finished, I was pulling out two golden brown, crispy, fragrant loaves.

My house smells amazing. Just the way Grandma's house smelled every time we would come over for family gatherings.

 

I made a half recipe, using only 3 cups water, 4 cups flour, half the oil, salt and sugar and 2 packages yeast. Next time, I might add more sugar back, since they are not very sweet at all. But Grandma was right. You can't ruin bread. All I had to do was add some butter and honey, and viola! Yummy city.

 

( I will post a picture here as soon as I can. Hold tight)

 

The 3 kiddos and I ate almost a whole loaf ourselves.

The result of this all being that, in good conscience, I feel that I have to start making my own bread. This recipe is too easy and too healthy to not at least try.

It is also very cost effective. I figured it up. It's about a $1.25 a loaf.

 

 

That's correct. You heard me right. A dollar and twenty-five cent a loaf! At the rate we go thru bread, I could save a small fortune. I also thinking about doing some variations. Grandma suggested cinnamon/sugar bread, adding herbs, or possibly maple flavoring or raisins. I am going to mess around and see what works. I'll let you know how it comes out!