getting started [updated with bread recipe]

Baking bread on a regular basis is something I've been wanting to do for a loooong time. I am finally getting started! Yesterday I made a double batch of whole wheat bread and rolls made with our freshly ground whole wheat flour. The bread was a hit! So yummy. Olivia said it was best bread she ever had, even going so far to say she hopes this bread is in heaven. (Olivia is prone to hyperbole.) I am definitely going to keep this up. It wasn't nearly as time consuming as I anticipated. And nothing beats warm homemade bread with honey or jam.

This bread recipe is courtesy of my friend Amy's mother-in-law. It is super simple and easy. The texture is wonderful--not heavy but with enough substance that you feel satisfied. It also doesn't fall apart too much on you either.

Makes 2 loaves:

Mix 3.5 cups warm water, 1.5 tsp. yeast (you can add extra if you want it fluffier), and 1/4 c. honey. Let the yeast proof then add half of 7 cups of flour, 2 tsp salt and 2 heaping tablespoons lecithin granules or olive oil (Amy and I both use olive oil) and mix it up and let it sit a minute. Then add the second half of the flour. Mix it on high in Kitchenaid for 7 min. Let sit 15. Dump onto a floured surface and divide in half. It will be quite sticky, so work quickly and with plenty of flour. Shape into loaves, put in pans and let rise until sticking over the top of the pan. Bake at 350 for 35min.

My notes: I ended up adding probably an additional cup of flour to my doubled batch which made two normal loaves, two pans of small rolls, and another small loaf with what was left. I let the bread rise about 3 hours I think. I'm sure the rising time will vary depending on how warm your house is, etc. Happy bread making!