Baking Bread

Honey Wheat Bread

 Bread is a bio-chemical technology for turning wheat flour into something tasty! But more importantly, it is a labor of love. The process of kneading your dough, will take you to a place of peace and reflection. You will feel a connection to your dough, as you form and begin to transform it into something wonderful. Baking bread is therapeutic. That being said, if you are not interested in peace, reflexion or therapy, you will be pleased to know that it also fills your home with the sweetest most scrumptious smell one could imagine. And fresh baked bread, right out of the oven, with a big dollop of butter will make you weak in the knees. Oh, and your children and husband will think you are really something. :)

I found this recipe for Honey Wheat Bread awhile ago and have been wanting to try it! And there is nothing like a rainy day, to inspire bread baking! So here we go.

For this heavenly bread, you will need the following:

3 cups warm water

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

1/3 cup honey

5 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon salt

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Mix the yeast into the warm water. Add 1/3 C of honey.

Add 5 cups of bread flour.

Let it sit for about 30 mintues. It will get big and bubbly.

Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. 

Stir in 2 cups of whole wheat flour.

Flour a flat surface, turn the dough out, and start kneading. You will knead in an additional 2-3 cups of whole wheat flour. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

Now, put 1 T of oil into a large bowl. Put the dough in the bowl and flip it once. This will allow the dough to expand.

 Cover the dough and let it rise until it doubles in size.

Oh, and this might be a good time to check on your children. :)

Amelia was pulling random dishes out of my kitchen cabinets.

Elliot and Kadence were playing superheroes. Meet "Somersault Boy" and "Cartwheel Girl".

Okay, so now that you know your kids are alright. Time to check on your dough.

Looks good! Now it's time to punch down the dough!

Divide your dough into two equal halves and form them into loafs.

Place them into 2 greased 9x13 loaf pans and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.



Now place them in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy the greatest smell on earth as they bake to perfection!

Now brush them with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. And let them cool completely.

This bread came out tender, slightly sweet and with the perfect mix of fluffy goodness and chewy deliciousness! This bread is AMAZING!





Now, smother it in butter and enjoy every last bite!

Happy Baking!

Fishing Fun! Elliot's 5th Birthday

Mommy's Boy

My Elliot is truly the son that every mother dreams of having. He is sweet natured, smart and best of all, he truly believes that "mommy", is the most beautiful and important woman in the world. In his eyes, I do no wrong. In his eyes, I am fearless. And in his 5 year old mind, I can change the world, move mountains, and make monsters cry. I cherish this time, for I know it is fleeting. And every birthday is a reminder, that my little boy is growing up.

This year, Elliot requested a fishing birthday. Usually, I don't do themes, but this was an easy party to put together and turned out to be tons of fun.

I made fish bait party favors, using crushed oreos and gummy worms.

I set up a fishing hole, using an inflatable baby pool and some magnetic fishing poles.

I also made some fishing poles, using craft sticks and clothespins. The kids cast their pole into the "pond", and when they felt a fish tug, they reeled in their prize.

Goldfish crackers, sweedish fish and gummy worms made perfect snacks!

I made a fish cake by simply baking a large sheet cake, rounding off the corners, and using those pieces to make fins and a tail. I used blue icing, and m&ms to decorate.

I also had a craft station, where the kids could make/decorate their own fish. I cut the foam pieces into the shape of a fish beforehand, and then just put out pom poms, pipe cleaners, glitter and glue for them to get creative!

He loved his party, and it was laid back enough that we were able to enjoy it as well!

Happy 5th Birthday Elliot!