But because I was invited out to lunch today and wanted to take something for the hostess (and because I apparently felt a need to torture myself), I baked a couple of loaves of homemade bread last night.
I haven't made this particular bread in the longest time, and I don't know why because it is divine! A smidge on the sweet side, it makes the most heavenly toast. (Oh my gawd, how I miss my toast in the morning with eggs! [Picture me despondently banging my head on my desk as I write this.] Life shouldn't be this hard. Sigh.)DARK ORANGE RAISIN RYE BREAD
2 cups rye flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
2 slightly rounded tablespoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup butter
2 cups warm (110-120 degrees) water
1-1/2 cups raisins (I always soak my raisins in boiling water before using)
4 to 4-1/2 cups unbleached white flour
In a large bowl, combine rye flour, salt, orange peel and yeast. Heat the molasses, butter and water in a small saucepan, then add to dry mixture.
With a mixer, blend at lowest speed until moistened. Then beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
By hand, stir in raisins and unbleached white flour to form a stiff dough.
Knead on well-floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place . . .
. . . until doubled in size, about one hour.Divide dough in half and shape into 2 loaves.
Place loaves in greased 9 x 5" bread pans. Cover and let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, about 45 minutes.Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes.
Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.
Not only did making this bread cause me acute longing for a warm slice slathered with butter, but hubby who was upstairs in his office as it was baking said the aroma wafting up to him nearly drove him out of his mind. What is it about the smell and taste of homemade bread that is so very appealing? Whatever, this is a good, good bread and I hope you can find the time to give it a try.
At least you're on the downward slide with your diet......the time will hopefully go quick-and now you can tell yourself-moderation or another month of HE#$!
ReplyDeleteI see. So now you want to spread the torture around??? I am making this bread this weekend. Even if I have to freeze both loaves...I don't think it's healthy to torture yourself. Besides...what happened to those two slices of bread that you used in your "demonstration"?
ReplyDeleteI am all about doing things for health, so I know you are doing this because you will feel healthier with a little less weight. But I always think of the 100 year old lady they asked if looking back she would have done anything differently in her life. She said "Yes, I would have eaten more ice cream".
ReplyDeleteWow... that looks so good! I'd have a hard time giving up bread even though I do think about the carbs (mmmm...carbs!). I haven't eaten, or missed, meat or poultry in 15 years but homemade bread and good cheese -- those are my weaknesses! Good for you for sticking to it!
ReplyDeleteYou gave up bread completely? You know my address... LOL! It looks divine, and I'm surprised Papa Pea didn't have to leave the house while it was baking! You're right, it just may be the best smell on earth besides fresh cut hay, of course :)
ReplyDeleteBread is on the list of things I could never pull off getting rid of. You must really be testing your will power!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very interesting recipe and I may have to try it!
I can't even smell it but just looking at the pictures is making my mouth water!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can indulge in a slice of bread soon.
Another good bread recipe to try! I couldn't give it up... it's one of my four food groups-Bread, Pasta, Cheese and Potatoes!
ReplyDeleteThat looks good! Thankfully I can have bread on my 'diet'...
ReplyDeleteYou sound like you are doing well on your experimental eating plan. *Clapping for you!*
What a fabulous looking loaf of bread. And how strong are you that you can bake without shoving the whole loaf into your mouth? There is nothing like the smell of bread baking...you are one tough woman!
ReplyDeleteOh, that looks so lovely! I can't wait for the chance to make some! Maybe tomorrow!?
ReplyDeleteSue - Monday is the weigh-in for Week #3. One more week to go. Gotta say it really hasn't been too bad. (Well, MOST of the time.)
ReplyDeleteSusan - I knew someone would ask about the two slices I made for demonstration! I sliced up half the loaf and froze the slices with wax paper in between slices so they would be easy to remove a couple at a time . . . sometime in the future. The other half of the loaf went home with Chicken Mama.
Jane - I love ice cream even more than fresh homemade bread! But I sure don't want to be a FAT old lady!!
Fiona - I had forgotten that you are vegetarian. Throw a little wine in there with the cheese and bread and I'm right there with ya!
Erin - Fresh cut hay IS wonderful . . . but it gets stuck in my teeth.
APG - If I had to choose between desserts and good bread, I'd have to go with the good bread. Give me a yummy sandwich on homemade bread and I'm a happy girl.
ReplyDeleteSparkless - Ya know, I never should have made this bread or done this post. Now all I can think about is all the good bread recipes I have. And how they smell and taste right out of the oven. Arrrrggghh!
Ruth - I'm right with you on the pasta! LOVE it. I guess it's a good thing my hubby's not that crazy about it or I'd make (and EAT it) a lot more often!
Linda - Welcome and thanks so much for commenting! Looks like you are doing very well on your weight loss plan. Keep up the good work. Slow and steady I think is the way to go. And enjoy the bread!!
ReplyDeleteMama Tea - Well, tough sometimes but dumb others! This has really gotten me thinking about bread and how good homemade bread is. I should never have brought it to the forefront!! I'll appreciate it all the more when I decide I can have it, right?
Patty - Go for it, Girl. I think your family will like it!