Good-For-You Bread!

Well here we are at the beginning of a New Year!! Do you make New Year's resolutions? Let me encourage you to try this one:

Each year, I write an annual "Christmas letter" (though I just finished it a day or two ago- lol!)  to our friends who we don't see often. It gives them a very quick glance into our year past and helps us stay in touch, at least somewhat! I know, I know........this type of note generally gets a bad rap......people gushing about their successes, their trips, etc. That's not my letter. It's the facts, it's the fun and it's about the fam. I write it as much for myself as for my friends.  These letters have ended up making a fascinating history of the journey of the Perkins people. I've been writing them since 1985, so we literally have a little book. Writing these notes also gives me a moment to reflect.........I usually end up in tears some time along the way, simply amazed at what has happened in that short span of 365 days. I look....I laugh.....I learn.

I encourage you to take a moment to begin your 2015 with a lingering glance over the past 2014, maybe even starting a family history book of your own!

For those of you who are starting the New Year with health-related resolutions, here's a wonderful recipe. It's particularly tasty toasted!

Good-For-You Bread

This bread takes just a little thinking ahead J

2 ½ Tbsp. flax seeds

½ Cup raisins

¾ Cup warm water

Place flax, raisins and water in a bowl. Stir and cover. Let sit for 6-8 hours, or overnight.

½ Cup sunflower seeds

1 pkg/Tbsp. Red Star Platinum yeast

½ Cup warm water

2 ½ - 2 ¾ Cup unbleached bread flour

2 Tbsp. wheat bran

1 Tbsp. powdered milk

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. honey

Prepare to bake:

Grind sunflower seeds (in food processor or blender-type appliance). Move seed “flour” to a bowl. Pour the flax/raisin mixture into the food processor and process. Set aside. In the EZ DOH bucket, mix yeast and water. Let rest for 1 minute. Add one cup of flour, then remaining ingredients, including flax/raisin mixture. EZ DOH-it until dough is not sticky, adding flour if necessary, usually 2-4 minutes. Remove dough from bucket. Spray inside of bucket lightly with cooking spray. “Smooth” dough into a ball and place in bucket. Cover and let rise until doubled.

Remove dough from bucket and form into a long loaf. (I usually roll the dough out into a rectangle, then roll it up from the long side, jelly-roll fashion). Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise, usually 30-45 minutes. Bake at 375 for 35-45 minutes until nicely browned. 

                       Visit http://www.wildyeastblog.com/yeastspotting/ for more delicious breads 

Good-For-You Bread!