I haven't bought a loaf of bread in almost 6 months. In fact, I haven't even bought hamburger buns, pita bread, or tortillas in almost that long. Well, one time I was in a pinch and bought a pack of tortillas at Trader Joe's. Part of the reason I started baking my own bread is convenience. CONVENIENCE??? Did I just say it was more convenient for me to make bread rather than buy it at the store? I sure did.
I meal plan for the week. We subscribe to a produce co-op and when they post the contents of the basket, I make a meal plan around that. And while I LOVE lists and am NOT a spontaneous person I don't necessarily stick 100% to the plan. Occasionally TGIM (that guy I married) will ask for something not on the list for dinner. If I can and it won't throw me off completely, I try and accommodate him. I'm such a good wife, he he he. I digress.... back to why it's convenient to make rather than buy. A few months ago he asked for pulled pork sandwiches. I happened to have some premade pork in the freezer but no buns. So I did some quick thinking inside of my head (what book is that from??? Anyone, anyone?) and decided that I'd just make some. Again, why is that easier you ask? I live 15 miles from town and the grocery store and have to go up and over a mountain AND it was winter and icy outside. I also have 2 boys ages 4 and 5. That means I'd have to bundle them up, strap them both in the car and drive 30 miles roundtrip to the store AND shop with them. Yeah, I don't love my husband that much.
Instead, I called my girlfriend and we spent the afternoon baking buns. The following recipe is not the one we used that day. Then it was winter and cold outside so an afternoon of the oven on was welcome. Today however, it's summer an 89 outside. Generally, that doesn't stop me from baking bread, it just means that I do it early, before it gets hot outside. Pulled pork sandwiches are on the menu for tonight and I had planned on getting them going first thing as it takes 2 hours to rise before you even get them in the oven. Life and 2 children got in the way and I didn't get them started early enough. I went "internet shopping" for a new and "quick" bun recipe and found one from Taste of Home that I modified a smidge. Also, I thought with the sugar in the recipe, they'd be just a little on the sweet side and would go well with the bbq pork.
add the yeast to 1 cup warm water.
give it a little stir until it's frothy
add the oil
and the sugar
give it another stir
let it sit for 5 minutes and it'll look like this
add the egg
and the salt
then the wheat flour
and the white flour. Or the other way around. I don't think it matters.
Now stir it into a soft dough. I used my hand (yes I washed them first) and mixed it up. And for the life of my I don't know why this picture is rotated and I can't get it to turn so bear with me.
then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it until it's smooth. Don't let it rise first.
form them into 8 balls and put them on a greased baking sheet (or your pizza stone). Cover them and let them rise for 10 minutes. At this point, turn your oven to 425 and by the time the oven is preheated, they'll be finished rising.
Bake them at 425 for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
In case you're wondering.... it was a line from my favorite Dr. Seuss book, "I Had Trouble Getting To Solla Sellew." Anyone get that?
2 comments:
That easy?? Seriously??
Yes Mary, that easy. These are so easy that I didn't even get out my mixer. I didn't want to have to wash it. LOL!
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