This bread recipe is great for folks that work but still want to enjoy
home-made bread and do not have (or do not want to use a bread machine)
Note, if you use a high gluten flour and have smaller loaf pans,
divide the dough into thirds. I use King Arthur flour 1/2 bread
flour and 1/2 white whole wheat which does not rise quite as much.
The flavor of this bread is enhanced by the lengthy proofing. Also,
it is very handy for people who do not have a warm place to proof the
dough,(for instance have an electric oven) it works very well at temps
around 65-70 which is the way I keep my home.
Easiest ever bread, no kidding..... Non-machine recipe
Late evening first day
put a cup of oatmeal in blender and blend till it is like coarse meal,
dump it in a large bowl.
add
1 cup wheat germ, raw or toasted (your preference)
6 cups flour, (1/2 all-purpose, 1/2 whole wheat is a variation)
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast (this is not an error, this is all you
need)
3 cups tepid water (should barely feel warm)
1 to 3 tablespoons medium-to-hot pepper powder, flakes, etc.
Mix well, scrape the dough out onto floured board, knead for a few
minutes or so, till the dough feels sliky. (3 minutes ought to do it)
Wear latex gloves if you have added pepper powder)
roll in flour, put back into the mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap
and leave it setting anywhere, it doesn't have to be in a warm place,
go to bed.
Next morning punch the dough down, divide in half.
put each half into a greased loaf pan (large) or shape into rounds or
long rolls and place on a greased baking sheet. You can add dried
fruit, nuts or spices at this point, pat the dough out flat, sprinkle
with the additions, roll, pinch along the seam, tuck in the ends and
place in pan or on sheet with the seam side down.
Cover the pans or loaves with a cloth and forget about them for the
entire day. Go to work, go shopping, read a book, whatever.
When you get home, turn the oven on to 400 degrees F.
Brush the top of the loaves with milk or spray with one of the aerosol
oils, plain or flavored.
At this point you can also sprinkle seeds over the top.
place in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes.
for a crustier loaf you can sprits water on the floor of the oven for
steam.
As you can see, this is fat free, sugar free, low salt and it is
delicious.
--
Andie Paysinger & the PENDRAGON Basenjis,Teafer,Cheesy,Singer & Player
asenji@earthlink.net So. Calif. USA "In the face of adversity, be
patient, in the face of a basenji, be prudent, be canny, be on your
guard!"
http://home.earthlink.net/~asenji/