Honey Whole Wheat 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. 

6- Divided into two or three pieces. Shape into loaves and place in greased bread pans. Let rise again in sunny area (about an hour.

 7- Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes. 

- Elizabeth -

Tasty Tacos

- Beer-Battered Fish Tacos – 

A La Meat Guy at Earth Fair 

(Slightly moderated for the health factor)

Every time I even think about this recipe I get hungry... It's a great spring weather, have friends over, drink margs kinda recipe.

Ingredients:

1.     1 lb of Tilapia

2.     1 12 oz Bottle of Mexican Beer (I used Corona)

3.      About a Tablespoon of Taco Seasoning

4.     Vegetable Oil

5.     Cup of All Purpose Flour

6.     1 Teaspoon of Salt

7.     1 Teaspoon of Sugar

8.     ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder

9.     Cup of Mexican Beer

10.  ½ Teaspoon Hot Sauce (a little more if you like it spicy)

11.  12 Flour Tortillas – Warmed

12.  1 Lime, cut into wedges

13.  ¾ Cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

14.  3 Cup Shredded Cabbage÷

15.  ½ A Red Onion, chopped

16.   Fresh Sliced Jalapeno

17.  Fresh Chopped Cilantro

18.  Desired sauce, queso or salsa

Directions:

1.     Combine 12 oz beer and Mexican seasoning in large Tupperware container – Stir well. Place fish in container and cover with marinade. Seal. Chill for 2-3 HOURS.

Tasty

2.     Pour oil about an inch and a half deep into an iron skillet or deep skillet and heat up to about 360 degrees.

3.     Combine flour and next three ingredients in medium bowl. Whisk in a cup of beer and hot sauce. Drain fish and discard marinade. Coat fish in batter.

4.     Cook fish in batches for about four minutes or until done. Drain on paper bags.

5.     Place fish on tortillas and squeeze lime over fish – top with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately. Makes about six servings. 

Chopped Toppings

So Taste...

- Eliz - 

Good for the Soul...

Smoked Gouda and Parmesan Macaroni

Well not exactly. I had no macaroni noodles so I used penne pasta... But still. 

Ingredients:

·       1 slice whole wheat bread

·       1 tablespoon butter

·       1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

·       2 garlic cloves, minced

·       2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

·       2 cups nonfat milk

·       1/2 teaspoon salt

·       1/4 teaspoon black pepper

·       1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese

·       1 1/2 ounces grated fresh parmesan cheese

·       5 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach

·       4 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)

·       cooking spray

1- Preheat oven to 350°.

2- Place bread in a food processor, and pulse until coarse crumbs measure 1/2 cup.

3- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4- Gradually add milk, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil; cook until thick (about 2 minutes). Add cheeses; stir until melted.

5- Add spinach and macaroni to cheese sauce, stirring until well blended. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until bubbly.

I made a mess...

 

- Eliz -