Bread and Gouda

Baking bread fits really well with being a "mostly at home" person. I am figuring out that the reason I enjoy making bread so much is partly because it suits my personality. I'm not one to follow recipes. I like to cook and bake with "a little of this a little of that." Bread allows me to do that. When we are approaching the last crust, I simply start a loaf with water, yeast, a little flour, a little sweetener..... Let it sit for an hour (or so), then when I pass by on my way through the kitchen between homeschooling subjects, I can add more flour, butter, flaxseed, oatmeal or whatever else might be available in my pantry. While the dough is rising, we make a trip to the library or read a book. Bread is very forgiving. Of course it is very helpful to have a kitchen aid that does all the kneading for me. But sometimes I let the kids knead the dough anyway. They like to be part of the breadmaking process. Today my mom gave me money to buy some aged gouda cheese as a Sinterklaas treat. MMMM... Warm whole wheat bread with Gouda. What a treat that was.

My purpose for sharing my bread experience was to share the recipe with those who have asked for it. Well, here is the recipe I started off with. I have made it many times since then, so if you follow the recipe it may not resemble what you tasted, but you can make it your own.

Simple Whole Wheat Bread:

3 cups warm water

2 packages yeast

1/4 cup honey

3 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon salt

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1) In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/4 cup honey. Add 3 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

2) Mix in 3 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not too sticky. This may take an additional amount of flour. Place in greased bowl in warm place until doubled. (cover with towel)

3) Punch down, divide into 3 loaves. Bake in loaf pans or make cute little round loaves and bake on a stone.

4) Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. If you like, brush tops with butter or margarine.

Happy baking!