Saturday 28 February 2009

The perfect loaf.

I love baking bread. The only problem is (or should I say was) that I am absolutely terrible at doing it. I only used whole grain flours. I think if I had given in and used a combination with white flour I would've gotten a better result but I just couldn't.

It wasn't until I gave up wheat a few weeks ago and started baking spelt bread that I finally got it right.
I chose this recipe out of all them because it was sugar-free (yes, I've given up sugar too).

The only thing I don't like about this recipe is I don't get to knead anything.





Original recipe here, only slightly modified below.


Three Minute Spelt Bread


Ingredients
750g Spelt Flour
15g Fast Action Yeast
75g Sunflower Seeds
75g Pumpkin Seeds
3/4tsp Sea Salt
750ml Warm Water
A couple of handfuls of oats, plus some for topping


Method
* Preheat oven to 200c, Gas Mark 6 (180c if using a fan oven).


1) Combine the dry ingredients in a very large mixing bowl. Add the water, mixing as you do so. You will be left with a very sticky, wet dough. It's best not to handle it by hand - use a wooden spoon or a spatula.





2) Mix well and turn into a greased loaf tin. Sprinkle oats over the top.





3) Bake for around 50 minutes. Please note this will probably depend on your oven so please keep an eye on it & check it towards the end of cooking time (though try to avoid opening the oven until you need to remove the loaf). The first time I made the bread I baked it for an hour as listed on the original recipe. It was far too long and I ended up with a very very crisp crust. 45 minutes seems to be perfect for my oven.





4) Remove from oven, cool, slice & enjoy!





The original recipe also mentioned that it is better left overnight in a cool place to rise before baking. I tried this the first time but I found that it rose and then collapsed again. I haven't tried it again since.
I only own one loaf tin so I increased the measurements by half to suit.

It tastes absolutely amazing with cheese! I can't get enough of it :)

Sunday 22 February 2009

Etsy Wishlist #1: Moxie & Oliver.



Moxie & Oliver have been on my favourites list pretty much since I joined Etsy. If I had the money I would indulge in their gorgeous bags, belts, guitar straps and more. For now I am saving up to have a custom watch made. I haven't had a watch in years. I think my friends & family would appreciate it if I owned one.
(I'd also quite like the trunk they photograph their items on !)

They offer a wide range of traditionally made leather goods adorned with either brightly coloured flowers, skulls and hearts or more subtle carved patterns. There's a design to suit every taste, if not they're always coming up with new designs it seems (as my wish list grows ever longer..) or you can request a custom order.

I love a well made leather belt. Seeing these makes me wish my current leather belt wasn't quite as well made, so I could replace it without any guilt.