What's Baking

For dinners lately we've been doing big raw salads and are really enjoying them. It's great because there is no oven or stove needed which keeps our house much cooler! :) In them, we do greens, lots of veggies from the farmer's market, some nutritional yeast, pecans or walnuts, sunflower seeds, and then we add some homemade vinaigrette or just olive oil and balsamic. It's so yummy! Personally, I like eating heavier lunches and lighter dinners because I don't like that heavy feeling I get from big meals at night for when it's time to go to sleep. This is true especially in the summer for whatever reason. Anyway, we have been needing a little extra something with our salads though so I made some bread yesterday and wanted to share the recipe.

It originally came from my wonderful mom so I'm not sure on the initial source actually, but I've changed it up quite a bit and healthified it as well.

Italian Herb Bread - makes 2 loaves

(2) envelopes - Active dry yeast
(2) C - Warm water
(2/3) C - Olive oil
(3) T - Sugar
(3.5) C - Whole wheat flour (we typically do stoneground or pastry)
(2) t - Salt
(2) t - Garlic powder
(3) t - Italian herb mix
(1/2 to 1) C - Whole wheat flour

Dissolve the yeast in warm water (100 - 110 degrees) in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, sugar, and first whole wheat flour, and mix until smooth. Let this mixture rest/sit for about 20 minutes. Then, mix it down. Add the salt, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Stir in enough whole wheat flour (1/2 to 1 cup) to make dough easy to handle. Knead until smooth and elastic (I love this part:).

Shape the dough into two rounds or loaves - whatever you want to do. Place on oiled baking sheets, cover with clean cloth/towel lightly dusted with flour, and let rise in a warm place until they have doubled in size (45 mins to an hour most likely). I sprinkle a little bit of Italian herb mix on the top and bake at 350 F for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove, cool, and enjoy!

It's super easy and delicious! It's hand downs our favorite bread recipe and I like it drizzled with some coconut oil - YUM! It's also great with olive oil and balsamic, but is just perfect on its own as well.

So, what are you up to this weekend? We are having dinner tonight with a dear old friend that we have not seen in about 8 years...we are so excited! Well, have a great one!