WHOLE WHEAT COFFEE CAN BREAD

Hi there everyone.  Trying to get everything done this morning early so I can watch the Parade from New York for the Yankees at eight o'clock.  Then it's clean the house, and get ready for a big Birthday Party on Sunday for Nick who will turn the "big" 18 on Saturday.  A lot of food to get ready.  What a weekend!  I get to do some real cooking.  Today I have a recipe that would be really fun for you to try with your children.  I have this little book of bread recipes, and it is falling apart, so I don't have the cover and some of the pages.  It was just called Bread Baking.  Anyway, I used to make this for the kids and it was just fun to bake in coffee cans, not to mention being the best bread ever.  Try it on a weekend with your kids.

COFFEE CAN BREAD

3 cups all purpose flour
3 cups whole wheat flour
 1 1/2 tsp salt
2 pkg active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water (125 degrees)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter

In a large mixing bowl stir together 1 cup flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, salt,yeast and brown sugar.  Stir in water.  Beat until smooth.  Mix in butter and remaining whole wheat flour.  Beat 5 minutes longer.  Gradually add enough of the remaining all purpose flour to make a stiff dough.  Turn out on floured board.  Knead 5 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and no longer sticky.  Place in a greased bowl.  Butter top of dough lightly.  Cover with clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.  About 1 1/2 hrs.  Punch down and turn out  on a lightly floured board.  Knead a minute or two to remove air bubbles.  Divide in half and shape into 2 round loaves.  Place in two greased 2 pound size coffee cans or two greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.  Cover with kitchen towel.  Let rise until doubled, about 35 minutes.  Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when thumped.  Makes 2 loaves.

There is nothing in the world that smells quite so wonderful as fresh baked bread.  Especially when the weather turns cool.  Sliced, and slathered with butter, absolutely heavenly.  I hope you will find time to make this.  It is truly worth the effort.  Have a most wonderful weekend.

Ciao for now
Grayce