So on Gratituesday this week I waxed poetic about all things bread which you can read here if you missed it. A few recipe requests came my way and I decided that I could definitely oblige.
Here, then is my contribution to the carbohydrate section of your recipe collection.
Yes, I’ve been lazy and didn’t retype them, except for the last, beyond well-loved and over-used, recipe card.
Does anyone know if there’s an app out there for a digital recipe box?
English Muffin Bread. It’s a bit messy thanks to the cornmeal, but delish.
Here’s the recipe that my middle daughter gifted me:
You’ll thank me for this one once you’ve made it.
I’ve tried to give credit where it’s due, but sometimes I have no idea where I found the recipe or who gave it to me, or if it’s their original creation or from a friend of a friend of a friend’s relative. Y’know how that goes.
Perfection on a baking sheet.
The important thing about the above Braided Bread recipe is to combine the ingredients in order, like it says. I should highlight that in my book. I love this recipe for three reasons: 1) It’s fast. Two hours from “mmm, I want bread to oh, my this is delectable, pass me more butter, please.” 2) It only takes one bowl. I cheater knead it in the bowl and let it raise in the bowl I mixed it in. 3) It tastes like I imagine heaven will taste, if it has a taste.
Just as lovely as a food can be. I’ve tried it as a cinnamon and brown sugar braid with icing drizzled over it. Equally delightful.
This one, as noted, is from my friend Susan. She’s the kind of cook I’d like to be when I grow up. Anything she sets her hand to makes a person feel loved, comforted and completely at home.
Just reading this can improve your mood. Imagine actually eating it.
No matter what’s been going wrong in your life, if you whip up a batch of these and eat a few you’ll be able to carry on with hope in your heart and a smile on your sticky face. (Also a Susan recipe. At least, it’s very similar to one she makes.)
Mom and Dad had a house fire thirty something years ago and one of the casualties was Mom’s recipe box. Ouch! This banana bread recipe is as close as I’ve ever been able to get to what she made. (It only looks like it’s been through a fire. Lots of lovely drips, splatters and messes go into making a recipe card look this loved.)
A much-loved, well used recipe card.
Here’s the translation and one small adjustment:
Mom’s Banana Bread
1/2 cup shortening or margarine (I use real butter instead)
1 cup sugar
Mix together then stir in:
2 eggs
Then add:
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mash 3 ripe bananas
(if you must you can add 1/2 cup, more or less, of chopped walnuts.)
Bake in a greased and floured loaf pan at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
MSH prefers his with nuts, I don’t. Guess who wins? I’m the baker. Actually, I make two loaves, one with nuts, one without.)
So, there you have it. Five of my most beloved recipes. Go forth and bake something for yourself or for someone you care about.
Oh, and remember, “Love is the main ingredient.”
Gospel truth. More important than yeast.
Kami's Beautiful Morning 