Last week we took a quick trip to the mountains to get a change of scenery. It helps with the winter doldrums to take little trips if possible. While in the mountains we went to Sperryville to buy some apples. In the fall we bought the most delicious Pink Lady apples. The apple season is over, but we were hoping to find some apples at the little places along the way. Even though we were unable to buy Pink Ladies we were able to buy some York apples. Yes, they were a little past their prime--but we bought a half bushel of apples for 5 dollars. I figured we could eat apples as our main fruit for a while.
I make our bread with a simple recipe:
This recipe makes 4 loaves of bread.
Grease 4 loaf pans
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer put:
5 1/2 cups of warm water
3 T yeast
8 cups of all purpose flour--I use King Arthur Flour
3 cups of whole wheat flour
2 T salt
3 T sugar
Mix all together ---this will be a very wet sticky dough. It's okay! Divide dough into the 4 loaf pans. Let rise until up to top of loaf pans. This normally takes about an hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake bread for 35 minutes. This is a dense bread and makes great toast or french toast. Grilled cheese is great on this bread also. I put the extra bread in the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge when needed.
Stewed apples are so easy to make:
Just peel and slice apples into chunks. Put into sauce pan and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. For five apples I only add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water and cover your pan and let simmer til done. They cook very quickly and are delicious.
The things we do for our grandchildren!
Martha Ellen, I love your dishes! I've been hunting for new dishes and have found several I like, but can't settle on one. I really don't need any more dishes! I packed up my Bonnie Brae (Pfaltzgraff) today to get it out of my sideboard so we can move it more easily out of the dining room. I'm thinking of trying to sell them on Craigslist. Next week starts our painting/new flooring project. It will take us 2 weeks to get it all done from moving the furniture out to putting everything back. We're having the floor laid for us, but I will paint and Ken will do everything else (like removing knobs, planing down doors, etc.) Your stewed apples look yummy as does your home-made french toast. We sometimes have eggs and bacon for supper. I hadn't thought of french toast and stewed apples! If I add bacon to it, I think Ken would go for it.
ReplyDeleteCathy, your project will only take two weeks? That seems like a lot of work for that little amount of time! I'm looking forward to seeing your finished project. I know you must be excited.
DeleteWe bought these dishes on our first trip to the Amish Country in Lancaster, PA. in the 80's. I fell in love with them! Being a dish fanatic is something that tugs at me every time I visit an antique shop! I would love to collect red transferware, but have managed to resist so far! ♥
The wood countertops may take longer. We haven't found anyone yet to make them. If Ken can find the right size wood, he's thinking of making them himself. Red Transferware is what I'd like, too.
DeleteCathy, Have you seen the wood counter tops they have at Ikea? Also if you could find old reclaimed bowling alley wood--they make gorgeous counter tops. My sister and her husband made the counter tops at their cottage and they turned out beautiful. My brother-in-law used reclaimed wood. ♥
DeleteI like your old Johnson Bros dishes. I don't think I've ever seen a Johnson Bros pattern I didn't like.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your bread recipe. I guess it only gets one rise and no kneading. That would be one to try. I like a hearty bread for just the things you mentioned using it for.
I agree about Johnson Bros dishes, Dotsie! It's a shame they are no longer made in England as of 2003 --they are now made in China.
DeleteGive the bread a try, it is so easy you think it won't be good. Yes only one rise and no kneading. You can make it with all white flour,but I like to add the whole wheat to add a little fiber. ♥
Ooo Martha, we have the same dishes! (I don't have the desert bowls though) I love them :-) They are my every day dishes ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe stewed apple french toast looks so tasty !! Mmm!
Blessings and warmth, Linnie
Linnie, you have hearts and flowers also--Kindred dish lovers! It's funny I've never seen them at anyone's home. I loved seeing your beautiful dishes in your built in hutch. ♥
DeleteI agree with you and Dotsie...all of Johnson Brothers dishes are charming! I love this pattern that you're using for February. I ♥ dishes!
ReplyDeleteI must try your bread recipe; it looks delicious! And, oh yes, there are a lot of things that we'll do for our grandchildren! And we love doing them too!
I know we both share our love of our grandchildren, Cheryl! I'm still thinking about that great photo of you and yours! ♥
DeleteI think I'm having an attack of Dish Envy! Those are beautiful. Love French toast, love stewed apples too! I also love to bake my own bread ~ it tastes so much better and I swap things around, adding seeds and trying different flours constantly ~ no two loves are the same lol.
ReplyDelete~~~Deb in Wales
p.s. have you tried Irish Soda Bread? no kneading, no rising, hearty, rustic bread on the table in about 45 minutes!
I do have a serious dish obsession, Deb. Making bread is another one--your additions sound wonderful--you must be a very creative baker! I usually make Irish Soda Bread around St Patrick's Day. We love bread at our home! ♥
DeleteThis looks so yummy. I just made pancakes with dried apples and cinnamon chips; then, I put a tablespoon of Boiled Cider in the syrup and warmed it to pour over. I love your compote and as you said..."what we do for our grandchildren." XOXO
ReplyDeleteSusan, your pancakes sound divine! XOXO ♥
DeleteHe looks like a happy grand! I remember an Apple Danish recipe made with stewed apples as you've made here and a slice of yummy cheese on toast and under the broiler for a bit...bet this bread would taste delicious for that.
ReplyDeleteSamuel is our oldest grand and lives with us while attending school, Vee. Your apple danish with a slice of wonderful Cabot extra sharp is making my mouth water! ♥
DeleteYum yum! And I adore the dishes.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that everything tastes better on a pretty table and yours is just lovely.
Amalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia. I think we all love dishes--We do eat with our eyes first, right? xo ♥
DeleteOh YUM Martha Ellen! My mom used to put apple slices from the orchard into the pancakes. My son and I prefer fruit on our waffles and pancakes, so I will have to try these Stewed Apples.
ReplyDeleteMargot, these stewed apples would be great on your waffles and pancakes. ♥
DeleteWe love stewed apples, especially in the wintertime! They make the whole house smell so cozy, too. Your getaway to the mountains was a great treat. What a beautiful area to visit! It's such a gift to have time with your grandson during his college years. You are all making memories to cherish for a lifetime! Wishing you a lovely week, Martha Ellen! ♡
ReplyDeleteDawn, we are enjoying having our grandson very much! He's such a nice young man. I hope your week is filled with all the things you enjoy! ♥
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