Cooking
muffins are healthier than cookies, right?
I wouldn't say that I'm a good cook by any means, but I do manage to produce enough edible results so we don't starve. We're working on making as much as we can from scratch, because we're hardcore like that.
Like this:
Honey Whole Wheat Bread
This is the current version of an ever-changing recipe. It works better in the winter, when humidity is low, but we still try and make it all the time!
In the work bowl of a stand mixer whisk together:
- 5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose white flour
- 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
- 4 1/2 teaspoons (2 packets) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon salt
Combine and heat until quite warm, 115° to 125° F:
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
With the mixer going (using the paddle attachment), slowly add the liquids to the flour mixture. Let it mix up for a couple minutes, then switch to the dough hook. Add, in 1/2 cup portions every 4-5 minutes:
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
Scrape the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it briefly (if not too sticky) to make it roughly a ball, then dump it into an oiled container to rise (I use the stand mixer bowl). If it's too sticky you can just toss it back in the bowl without the kneading; that is sometimes necessary.
Let rise until doubled in volume, which takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hour depending on temperature. Remove from bowl, knead lightly and divide into two equal lumps. Form the lumps into balls by stretching the tops and turning the dough underside inwards, then let them sit for 10 minutes.
Grease two loaf pans well with butter, shape the dough into oblongs, and place one in each pan. Let rise until doubled, 30 minutes to 1 hour. In time to get it heated when the loaves are risen, preheat the over to 350° - 375° F. Position the loaves several inches apart in the middle of the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the loaves from the pans immediately using a metal spatula, and let them cool on a rack. Don't bag them or cover them with plastic until they cool, or they'll get wet with condensation.