Recipe for Natural or Pioneer yeast Bread

Well, I have been baking a ton of bread- like I said last post-  I think I finally have it figured out.

The natural yeast start that I got from my neighbor is really really good.  Mail me a self-addressed stamped envelope and I'll send you some-- I still haven't gotten my Christmas cards out- although I did give some to my family that live nearby-- so that is an improvement from the last three years so maybe next year-- anyway it's the finding an envelope, finding and writing the address and finding a stamp that are my problem, but if that's all done I think I can handle having one of my kids put the envelope in our mailbox with the flag up-- thus...

I have been baking bread just about everyday since my older kids started going to school so they could have something fairly easy to eat and transport and healthy for lunch.  So I have been feeding my start about everyday-- it has liked that and raises more quickly than it did when I first started.  I have found it can be used in any recipe calling for yeast-- just substitute about 1 cup of natural yeast for every Tablespoon of dry yeast.  The rising times will be much longer-- but that is more time for the yeast to break down the gluten.

So here is my current favorite recipe and process:

First I warm up some filtered water in the tea kettle, then I grind some wheat and get out the bread mixer.  I pour in 5 cups of warm water, 1 Tablespoon of Real salt, about 1/4-1/2 cup of extra virgin coconut oil, and about 1/2-1 cup of raw honey-- the warm water starts melting the honey and oil.  then I add about 5-6 cups of whole wheat flour- usually an equal ratio of hard white wheat and soft white wheat and 2 - 2 1/2 cups of unbleached white flour and finally about 2-3 cups of natural yeast starter.  I turn on the mixer and let it all combine, then I let it sit for a little bit- 15 min. is ideal.  I grind more wheat or wash dishes or change a diaper for a minute or whatever-- but I think this step could be skip and sometimes I just skip it.  Then finally I add cups of whole wheat flour as the mixer is mixing until the dough no longer clings to the bowl, right as it just begins to cling to itself-- this is usually another 4-7 cups depending on how much water I actually use since I am not an exact measurer.  I then push the timer button on my mixer and I think it kneads for 6-7 minutes.

I then cover the bowl with saran wrap since my lid is broken and let it rise til at least double or it is ready to flow out of the bowl and onto the counter.  Today it only took about 3 hours-- I let it go another hour.  Then it is ready to be shaped into loaves. I punch the dough down to let it rest while I grease my loaf pans.  Then I shape them simply by pulling them into a nice round dough ball and dumping them pretty side up in the loaf pan. They should rise 1 1/2- 2 hours-- a little longer won't hurt, but too long they will start to sink.

You can then bake them at 350 for about 30- 45 minutes or until they reach 180 degrees on the inside.  Yummy!!

Kids and Bread

I just have to say that I have The Cutest Kids.  They are all so different and so interesting.  We call our baby - so cute-- because whenever anybody looks at him he smiles and he sucks his thumb.  He is my first thumb sucker.  I wasn't too happy about it at first, but it is cute and he will stop eventually.  #6 says things the cutest way- typing it won't do it justice-- I will keep trying to get it on video.  They all have their cute things.  It's a lot of fun.  The younger ones all did yoga with me today-- so cute!!  Now if we can just get completely over our illnesses and not catch a new one!!

Anyway, I also wanted to record here that I have finally mastered healthy bread making.  My loaves are super good tasting, made with natural yeast, not sour, and whole wheat with a long rise to break down the gluten.  There is just 2 cups of white flour for every 8-10 cups of whole wheat.  I have even made some very tasty burger buns. I am very proud of myself.  Heaven knows I baked a LOT of bricks!!  email me at jaraagape@gmail.com if you want a start-- I mailed some to my bro in VA and it turned out fine. 

Tot ziens-- (til next time in Dutch)

What a Day

What a Day, what a week what a cold cold month!  My cute twin boys turned 3 today!  I can hardly believe it!  They have changed our lives forever, these past 4 years (including the twin pregnancy) have been about the hardest ever.  So the twins got sick right before Christmas, achy, fever, cough,  they we finally getting over it especially the one who was the sickest with a cough/ puke thing.  I was  so glad it looked like we were finally coming out of the sick stage and back into normalcy with the prospect of a party today, but alas #6 started throwing up last night and the washing machine died!!  Then later in the day, #7 also started puking.

Later in the day my husband wanted to get an elliptical machine at Costco. I had to go with him cause we've had trouble with the truck not starting so he wanted to leave it running so I had to go to stay with it, anyway, we took the 3 littlest ones cause  I thought they'd go to sleep on the way-- no such luck-- # 7 puked, so I cleaned that up and gathered a grocery bag full trash in the van and a grocery bag full of puke clothes, and I cleaned out my purse.  Then, I was going to feed the baby and fund that he had had a MAJOR blowout, so I had to change him, but the wipes were frozen because we've been parking in the driveway so the kids can run around in the garage -- anyway-- that was fun and Costco was sold out!!  We had gone a couple weeks ago, but Costco had closed early "due to unforeseen circumstances"-- anyway my husband is pretty sure he has uncanny bad luck.  I think maybe his expectations are too high-- you know expecting that someone will be open during business hours and wanting to sell things they have listed for sale.

So we went over to Lowes for a washing machine.  I found some baked cheese puffs which made the twins happy and the baby w happy, the van was nice and toasty.  Our new washer will hopefully be delivered this week.  When we got home, my husband washed to pukey clothes in the sink, and we found that the 5 yr.old had been so enthralled with his wii game that he hadn't quite made it to the toilet.  Wow!  Oh then #7 had some diarrhea.

We postponed the b-day party to a day they will be able to enjoy it.  Now we are watching Diego, Dora and Thomas the Train.  I will miss my sweet babies when they grow, but I will enjoy not cleaning up gross bodily fluids and I will enjoy getting enough sleep!

Happy Birthday Boys!  I love you!