Bread Recipe

It has been a slow process, but my goal over the past few years has been to eliminate (for the most part) processed food from my home. I don't freak out when we're out to eat and my kids want mac n cheese, and I still break all the healthy rules for parties and get-togethers.  I just try to make sure what my family receives at home on a daily basis is chock-full of nutrients, protein, or whole grain and void of preservatives, excess refined sugar, and added hormones. When it comes to pesticides on produce, I do my best to buy organic, but have learned some good washing techniques when organic is not available. (Be mindful that non-organic veggies and fruit do not always have the same amount of nutrient content due to the way they are cultivated.) I am definitely not a nutritionist, but have educated myself enough to know the gist of what makes our bodies run effectively.

It's that simple for me. I'm not obsessive, but I do want my children to know how to eat proper and not end up like a huge portion of the country caught up on meat and potatoes, processed boxed/canned food, and fast food. Since I fix three meals a day and a snack for my children, nutrition is a huge part of my responsibilities as a mom. If I want to discipline properly and teach good morals, why wouldn't I want to teach healthy living? This is not a guilt trip for moms. Promise. I just want to encourage and challenge any moms that read my blog to take steps to better their family's eating habits. I still have some improvements to make on my own diet, but I'm getting there. Shouldn't it be about improvement?

That being said, I have a yummy bread recipe to share with you. I've been fixing it the past month and it has been a big hit with the hubster and children. There are bread recipes out there that are healthier, but don't taste quite so well, and there are ones that are yummier, but have more crud in them. This is one of those in-between options. I needed something tasty enough that my kids would devour it, while having enough whole grains that it would help meet some daily requirements.

What you'll need:
3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup honey
5 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted

What you'll do:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

2. Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.

3.Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.

4.Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. (This is optional....I like a hard crust so I don't do it. Cool completely

My only advice would be to make sure you do not under bake the bread. Just because it looks "done" on top, does not mean it is completely baked through.

If any of you try this recipe, I hope you like it. We are big fans in this house!