Apron Afternoons: bread

When it comes to baking, times have channnnged! Throughout history people baked to live. Bread was a part of daily life and a necessity to a household. And back then it was a much more difficult process than it is now. So to be honest there is no excuse people! Now a days people are intimidated at the idea of baking their own bread, but here's a secret - It's not that hard!!! Here are a few tips to make it easier:

1- Bake bread in good weather. I has to be sunny and it cant be humid (hard to get in Alabama, I know).

2- Temperature is everything.
3- Timing is important.

Now we're ready to begin....

Ingredients:

- 2 tsp. Dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. Salt- 1/2 cup Flour

- 1 1/4 cup Scalded milk cooled to warm
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 2 tsp. Salt
- 1 3/4 cup Whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup Wheat germ
- 3 1/2 cup White flour

Directions:

1- Mix together first five ingredients then cover with a warm, damp towel and let sit for 15 minutes in a sunny area.

2- While you let it sit, put the milk in a saucepan over heat until frothy on top and scalding hot.

3- Add next five ingredients together.

4- Next add this mixture to the already combined ingredients and mix for two minutes. As the mixer is going, gradually sift in white flour one cup at a time.

5- Place in a greased bowl, cover with warm, damp towel and let rise in sunny, warm area. After its risen (typically a couple of hours) punch down the dough.