Just Plain Bread

Today my 5-year old grand-daughter had surgery. After my daughter and son-in law had walked through difficult months of tests, blood work, medication, lots of prayers and tears and what seemed like hundreds of doctor visits, they were unspeakably grateful to have Corinne's problem finally diagnosed as something relatively "simple" to correct with out-patient surgery. Still, there's something heart-stopping about a 5-year old undergoing anesthesia and everything else that comes with such hospital visits. Corinne's sister, Cana, was probably more scared than Corinne over all of this, so my hubby and I kept her this morning rather than her worrying at the hospital. We took a walk, we did crafts, we visited great grandma and....we made bread! Just plain bread. Nuthin' fancy. In fact, we were so busy doing other things, we let it over-rise a bit. Even though it was a little homely when we took it out of the oven, it sure was good!! Light, airy, tasty. We all enjoyed big,warm, buttered slices for lunch. And then, before we knew it, Corinne and her parents were at the door. Cana shouted for joy and greeted Corinne with a big hug....and a slice of bread! 

It's the simple things that make life special....Love, faith, family....and a little homemade bread! 

       Just Plain Bread          

½ cup warm water

1 Tbsp/ 1 packet Red Star Platinum yeast

3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup milk

1 teaspoon salt
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

In EZ DOH bucket, combine undissolved yeast and warm water. Stir to dissolve and let rest for one minute. Add one cup of flour, then remaining ingredients. EZ DOH-it until smooth and elastic, usually 2-3 minutes. Remove dough from bucket. Spray inside lightly with cooking spray. Return dough to bucket. Cover and let rest till double.

Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray (or two small loaf pans). Remove dough from bucket (Divide in two, if making the smaller loaves). Roll out to a small rectangle, then roll up tightly, starting with a long edge. Pinch seam, tuck ends under the loaf and place in loaf pan. Cover lightly and let rise till bread is above the top of the pan. Preheat oven to 375. Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on size of loaf. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Brush top with butter while warm. Slice and enjoy!

Just Plain Bread