Something You Can Do

Do you like bread? I’m sure you do if your family makes their own! Most store bread isn’t very satisfying because it is not fresh and is often made with white flour, which has all the life taken out of it. Here is a simple “French-style” bread that you can make yourself in about 3 hours

Easy Fresh Bread

You will need:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 package yeast (about 2-1/2 tsp.)
• 2 T. margarine or butter
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 3 cups whole wheat flour (freshly ground “hard red” wheat is best)
• 2 cups or more of white flour

1. Measure the water in a glass measuring cup. It should feel warm, but not too hot.
2. Now sprinkle the yeast on top. Leave it until it begins to bubble.
3. Melt the margarine in a pan on the stove (or in the microwave). Add the milk and heat until it is warm to your touch.
4. In a large bowl mix together the wheat flour and salt. Add the milk mixture and the water mixture and stir with a wooden spoon. The dough will be soft. Now begin mixing in the white flour. When the dough gets stiff, use your hands. Add flour until dough is not too sticky and forms a ball.
5. Wash and dry the bowl. Grease the bottom and put the dough back in. Cover with plastic and let it sit in a warm place until it doubles in size. Wash your dishes.
6. Sprinkle flour over the counter. Now scrape out the dough onto the counter and knead it—fold it and push it together over and over—for at least 5 minutes. If it is sticky, sprinkle on more flour.
7. Divide the dough into two. Form into round or long loaves and put on a greased baking sheet. Cut slashes in the top with a knife and let them sit for 30 minutes.
8. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the loaves until they are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
9. Cool on a cooling rack for 30 minutes before slicing.

Now try a slice with butter and then try a slice of store-bought bread. Can you tell the difference? Which do you think is bread that will give you real strength?