I have been on hiatus.
It was not meant to be a long break. But looking back, I guess it was. It's just crazy how life gets in the way sometimes, isn't it?
But I am coming back. Because I've missed you. However, don't be surprised when my posts are not always about baking treats and sweets anymore. Maybe I'm going to throw in something fun like a Potato Bacon Bake..............or a creamy Mushroom Risotto, or I could go completely off the charts and just talk about the groundhog (who is the size of an adult Cocker Spaniel) that has taken up residency under my "pool-less" house. (I'll explain later) I don't really know, but I wanted to warn you in advance.
Life is changing and to keep up with it, I may have to do a little song and dance now and then instead of my usual stroll. You're all okay with that, right?
My list of "recipes to try" continues to grow. Everytime I hear about something new...or I try something new in a restaurant or at a party, I mentally add it to the list. There just are not enough hours in the day, so I am starting on something easy....but spectacular none the less. Peanut "Butta" Bread. Not the typical dessert-like bread, but the real deal, REAL bread. With yeast. Like the kind of bread you use for a sandwich. Are you following me?
Keep up with the class now.
This is an easy, easy recipe. In fact, you may already have the ingredients in your pantry. Do yourself a favor. MAKE IT RIGHT NOW. You won't be sorry. In fact, you'll want to be my best friend. You know....BFF. (Best friend forever).
PEANUT "BUTTA" BREAD
1 cup lukewarm water
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup (4 1/2 ounces) white whole wheat flour
1 cup (4 1/2 ounces) bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Assemble your ingredients!
2 1/2 teaspoons of yeast..
one tablespoon of brown sugar and one cup of lukewarm water. Put them in a bowl and lightly stir. Set aside until the yeast looks a little foamy. About 10 minutes or so....
In a separate bowl, combine one cup of the bread flour,
and one cup of the white whole wheat flour.
Add one teaspoon of salt,
....and one half cup of peanut butter.
Did you ever wonder what people use those little tiny spatulas for? I got this one at Stonewall Kitchen and as you can see, it is the PERFECT kitchen helper.
.
Combine all the ingredients until mixture sticks to itself.
Roll the dough into a ball and place in the bottom of a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about 45 minutes. Then smack it down again. It will feel good.
Trust me.
Lightly coat the inside of a loaf pan with cooking spray, re-roll the dough into a log that will fit into the bottom of the loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again for about 45-50 minutes. At this time you can heat the oven to 325 degrees. When the second rise is complete, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.
This loaf should have risen alot higher, but just as I was getting ready to time the first rise, someone dropped in for a visit and I got distracted. See this flat bread? It is the direct result of a drop-in. Just sayin. :)
Where was I? Ah yes. My favorite part. I found this evil looking stuff at Whole Foods. It's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter. My hands are sweating just thinking about this. My B.F.F. Sandra sampled some today and promptly referred to it as the "Satanic Spread". Why? Because when it's spread on top of a piece of toasted Peanut Butta Bread.........it's positively evil.
So now it's time to wipe the drool from your mouth, get up from your computer and make some.
Are you still sitting there?
