Texas is getting wet – Today, Tomorrow and most likely a day beyond. Galveston is flooding with over 9 inches of rain and more coming. Eighty miles north in Kingwood we are wet but not flooding. Dark and dreary day and I was feeling a little blue and a little lazy.
I have found a simple French bread recipe that is so easy and so good. Being lazy I let the bread machine do most of the work. I goes so well with soup…..I have a really flavorful turkey noodle soup made with smoked and deep fried turkey from last week.
Today’s version was done using a rectangular brotoform or Banneton Proofing basket. I had no clue what they were until a year or so ago when I was trying to perfect a sourdough bread recipe. I gave up on that endeavor! This French bread recipe is just foolproof.
Recipe
- 1 1/8 cup lukewarm water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp oil or butter – I have used butter, olive oil and coconut oil…all work well
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar – I have used my raw local with equally good results
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 pkg of machine bread yeast.
- Place into the machine tub in the order listed.
Put the machine on the dough cycle. Monitor early in the cycle….I sometimes need to add a teaspoon of water to ensure proper dough consistency. Remove from the machine when complete and shape the loaf. Cover and let rise in a warn place for 60-90 minutes. Add 3-4 diagonal slashes across the loaf to allow steam to escape. I like the looks of the loaf with an egg white wash so it is your choice. Preheated oven to 425 F for 20 minutes and then another 8-10 minutes at 350. Toss a 1/2 cup of water into the oven right off the bat to develop steam for a nice crust. Listen for the hollow sound when you thump it to see if it is done.
Garden notes;
Peas are reaching skyward, beets are still popping up and lo and behold….Swiss Chard has emerged. I have a bunch of soaked seeds needing a home! Oh yes, my dwarf Meyer Lemon tree is pretty well loaded up.
The honey harvest inventory for 2016 is pretty well consumed. I may have 15-18 pounds of honey in various sizes available. Kingwood locals…..put your orders in!
TTFN
Bishop
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
Dec 04, 2016 @ 03:04:27
Hello Bishop, hoping the weather clears up soon for you all! I can smell the fresh bread now-LOL Have a great night. Cheryl
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Bishop
Dec 04, 2016 @ 18:07:31
The aroma from fresh baked bread is addictive. I have to limit myself to one loaf per week!
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Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
Dec 04, 2016 @ 19:39:45
I could honestly eat 1/2 loaf at a time Bishop!!! LOl
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Bishop
Dec 04, 2016 @ 21:01:00
I made two loaves for a soup evening among friends. Fortunately, one of the couples took 2/3 of a loaf home! Three couples and we ate 1 1/3 loaves with the soups!
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Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
Dec 04, 2016 @ 22:32:25
What better way to soak up the soup juices! I think your bread was a hit Bishop. Lol
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BeaFreitas
Dec 04, 2016 @ 14:29:31
Who doesn’t love homemade bread ?! Great post! Thanks for sharing and have a great week 🙂
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Bishop
Dec 04, 2016 @ 18:07:57
Thanks
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