The inn was overflowing with family and scrumptious aromas. Hannah, Graham, and their children and grandchildren were spending Christmas together at the inn. Everyone had spent the past week decorating, putting up the tree, and doing their annual holiday baking for friends, neighbors, and loved ones. On this cold and snowy day, just two days before Christmas Eve, they were on their way into town to gather a few items, listen to the caroling on the square, and deliver their homemade gifts to neighbors and friends. Soon after they had enjoyed a hearty lunch everyone bundled in their warmest wool and flannel and made their way to town in the softly falling snow. Later that afternoon, as twilight approached, they gathered together, enjoying the brightly lit shops, the smell of orange and gingerbread floating from Hobarts Bakery, and the songs being sung by a small group of carols gathered around the beautifully decorated tree in the center of the village. Their errands and visiting complete, as were their cups of cocoa, Graham suggested they make their way home. “The snow is beginning to fall fast and heavy, he said, I think we should head back to the inn before our packages, and woolens are sodden and heavy.” That is a great idea, said Hannah, We all have a bit more wrapping to do and dinner to prepare and it looks like there is going to be a lot of shoveling to take care of soon.” “Grace and I are going to feed the animals, said Gabe, Poppa said it was our responsibility while we were here for Christmas.” Hannah and Graham shared a contented smile as they gazed at their little family, all gathered together for Christmas. The only gift they would ever need. ~ Doreen Frost
ENGLISH MUFFIN TOASTING BREAD
**This bread could not be more simple and delicious. You mix in a stand mixer, place it into a loaf pan, let it rise for a short time, and bake! Easy peasy. It is one of the most delicious toasting breads ever…especially when slathered with butter and jam. I gift this bread wrapped in freezer paper and tucked into a lovely basket lined with a tea towel and accompanied by a jar of homemade jam, a jar of local honey and bag of coffee beans to friends and family each Christmas. You could even include a nice mug or two, for an especially nice basket. :) *a wonderful King Arthur recipe*
PREP~8 mins BAKE~22 to 27 mins TOTAL~1 hr 15 mins Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients
3 cups (360g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon (14g) granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) table salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon instant yeast *I use active and it works the same
1 cup (227g) milk
1/4 cup (57g) water
2 tablespoons (25g) vegetable oil or olive oil
yellow cornmeal, to sprinkle in pan (do not skip this step as it makes all the difference.
Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer.
Combine the milk, water and oil in a separate, microwave-safe bowl (or in a saucepan on the stovetop), and heat to between 120°F and 130°F. Be sure to stir the liquid well before measuring its temperature; you want an accurate reading. If you don't have a thermometer, the liquid will feel uncomfortably hot if you quickly dip your finger into it. Be sure it doesn't reach 140°F, as temperatures in that range can harm the yeast.
Pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
Using an electric beater, or stand mixer with the flat beater attachment, beat at high speed for 1 minute; the dough will be smooth and very soft. If you don't have an electric mixer, beat by hand for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and starting to become elastic.
Lightly grease an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan, and sprinkle the bottom and sides with cornmeal.
Scoop the soft dough into the pan, leveling it in the pan as much as possible.
Cover the pan, and let the dough rise till it's just barely crowned over the rim of the pan. When you look at the rim of the pan from eye level, you should see the dough, but it shouldn't be more than, say, 1/4" over the rim. This will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour, if you heated the liquid to the correct temperature and your kitchen isn't very cold. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 400°F.
Remove the cover, and bake the bread for 22 to 27 minutes, till it's golden brown and its interior temperature is 190°F.
Remove the bread from the oven, and after 5 minutes turn it out of the pan onto a rack to cool. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
I AM OFF TO WRAP AND BAKE ~ ENJOY THE DAY FRIENDS. BE WELL, DOREEN
Sounds good. What temperature for baking??
Charming, Doreen. And the bread recipe sounds delicious. Thank you.