A little late this week. Chinese New Year, sick kids and husband, and most importantly, no Ayi to help out around the house prevented me from doing anything productive.
I've always wanted to venture into the art of bread-making but it seemed a little daunting. I figured it was way out of my league if "they" invented a machine to help facilitate the process. However, recently a couple things prompted me to give it a try: a good loaf of bread - one made with whole grains and nuts -costs about $6-$10 here. A bad loaf of bread - one that tastes like cardboard and uses caramel coloring to make you think you're eating whole wheat - costs about $3-$5. Plus, I've increasingly been trying to control what I am putting in my (and my family's) bodies for preventive health reasons.
I found this awesome yeast-free bread recipe somewhere online...I can't remember so I can't link to it. It's awesome because sure it tastes good, but since it uses beer instead of yeast, I don't have to worry if the bread raises properly, etc. Now, is this the best bread I've ever had? No. But it is worth sharing becasue it is so easy, healthy, flexible (see options below) and it makes the house smell so good! Caveat, this recipe isn't so good for sandwiches because it's really crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside...perfect to serve with dinner, though.
Beer Bread: 3 c whole wheat flour (I've used Oat Bran, too)
3T sugar (I use about 2T honey instead)
1T baking powder
1t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1 12 oz beer
Options: fresh basil and roasted garlic (or garlic powder), cheddar/jalepeno, sunflower seeds/flax seeds, etc.
Pre-heat oven to 375 (175 C), grease loaf pan
Mix ingredients
Bake 45-50 minutes
If you make it, let me know what you think.
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