The Preachers Wife

Monday has rolled around once again… *let’s all take our collective sigh*

I’ve been hurried around the house washing all of the rugs. It seems as though this time of the year always brings in dirty rugs. Go figure? I’ve found that a regular and good ol’ hot water washing keeps my rugs looking nice year round. I was hesitant at first becauseI figured good regular washings would ruin my rugs but thus far, a year later, they are still going strong and look pretty much brand new. So, yeah!

My husband and I have been dilligently searching for new ways to save money. I’ve tried making homemade bread in the past however my tries were, well, let’s just say not so wonderful. BUT, BUT, BUT I’ve found a recipe that works well for me. Yippee! My husband LOVES the bread and brags about it to everyone he sees. Ha! So, I guess I’ll keep the recipe, I think it is a winner. To boot, it’s pretty much fool proof. Yesterday when we returned from a visiting church (Hubby was asked to preach) we warmed up some chili and made grilled cheese with this bread… Heaven! Give it a try, homemade bread can be a little scary but this is so, so, so simple.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups flour, more or less, divided
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 2 cups very warm water, about 120°
• 2 tablespoons softened butter

Preparation:

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Beating at low speed, add the water and butter. Continue beating at high speed for 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup flour and beat 4 minutes longer. Stir in 3 cups flour, or enough to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes,, or until dough is smooth and elastic, adding a little more flour as necessary.

Place dough in a large buttered bowl, turning to butter top. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for about 1 hour in a warm place, free of drafts. Punch dough down; knead until smooth. Cut dough in half, cover with the mixing bowl, and let stand for 15 minutes longer. Roll each half into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Starting with the narrow edge, roll up, turning ends under to make loaves to fit pans. Place rolls seam side down in greased loaf pans, 9×5x3-inches. Cover pans with clean towel and let rise in warm place until double, about 45 minutes. Bake loaves at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped with fingers. Remove from pans to racks; brush with butter for a soft, more flavorful crust, if desired (I really suggest this step, yum). After I brush the butter on, I immediately place it in foil and let it sit until it cools. For whatever reason it makes the bread seem softer, who knows, it may be in my head.
Makes 2 loaves of white bread.

Happy Baking, and Happy Monday!

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