mana from...my oven

i was bored yesterday.

you want to know what i do when i'm bored?

i watch trash t.v., eat, or bake. i'm trying to give up the first two...when i'm bored that is...so baking it was.

delicious looking right?!?

i got a great recipe from allrecipes, a simple and easy whole wheat bread recipe that makes THREE loafs!

i add-libbed a bit with putting some psyllum husk and ground flax, for added health. my breads were delish! yes, i applaud my own efforts :)

here is my take on the recipe...

Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients 

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup honey
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup psyllum husk
1/2 cup ground flax
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

in a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. add 4 cups white bread flour, 1/2 cup psyllum husk, 1/2 cup ground flax, and stir to combine. let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. this may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. * place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. cover with a dishtowel. let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour)

punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch (30 minutes - 1 hour).

bake at 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter when done to prevent crust from getting hard.

cool completely (or not. a warm slice tastes amazing!)

*okay, to add some flare to any of your bread divide your dough here. i made two alternatives. take a peek below for some ideas...

whole wheat bread, gorgeous and good

lemon-fig bread

lemon-fig bread

zest of one lemon

juice of one lemon

1/2 teaspoon cinnimon

1/4 teaspoon allspice

6 dried figs chopped (or how many ever you want!)

rosemary-garlic bread

rosemary-garlic bread

2 sprigs rosemary chopped

3 cloves garlic (or more, i love garlic!!!)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

lemon if you like the taste