Honey Wheat Bread

When my kids were young a visit to Grandma's (my mom) meant entering a world of fresh-bread-scented-hugs. After a hug and a kiss my kids made a bee line for the kitchen. Whatever was cooling on the rack was fair game. Butter and homemade jam were in easy reach for instant gratification. At the end of our visit Mom sent any extra bread home with us.What a treat!
But didn't last very long. Soon my kids were fighting over the last slice. I hate fighting. I crave peace. I solved the problem by learning to make my own bread.
As a working mom of three I sometimes threw dinner together. I never felt bad about serving soup and sandwich for dinner if the sandwich was on homemade bread. It makes the best grilled cheese sandwich you have ever eaten. If you have a large enough mixer make a double batche and put the extra loaves in the freezer.
When I ask my grandkids what I can do for them, their answer is "Bake some bread!"
I've never written this recipe down. I would prefer to teach you in person. Since that's impossible here is my best effort.
Don't be afraid, this is not as complicated as it first appears. My KitchenAid does most of the work. (If you don't have one, I recommend saving up to buy one. You'll only need one. They last forever. The one I bought 30 years ago is still at work in my daughter's kitchen.) I can mix up the dough and have three loaves rising in a matter of 20 minutes. It takes another hour or so for them to double in size. An additional 30 minutes to bake. I allow two hours--start to finish.

Honey Wheat Bread

4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons of yeast
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of salt
1 cup light olive oil
1 cup honey
4 cups whole wheat flour
4 to 6 cups of bread flour

Measure the ingredients carefully. Unbleached flour can be used instead of bread flour. The bread flour is always the last ingredient to be added. Due the the way flour is milled, the humidity on the day you are baking, and the altitude, the last cup of flour cannot be calculated exactly; you may not need it all. Occasionally you may need more flour than the recipe suggests. Bread dough should be firm, but not hard to knead.

There aren't many ingredients to assemble.
I keep these on hand all the time.

Measure four cups of warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle 2 Tablespoons of yeast over the top,
add 1 Tablespoon of sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Your yeast should bubble-up as pictured. If it doesn't your water
may be too hot or your yeast is old. Throw it out and start over.
Better to know at the beginning than at the end.

Assemble your ingredients while the yeast is working.
1 cup of honey,

1 cup of olive oil,
1 Tablespoon salt
4 cups whole wheat flour
4-6 cups bread flour (or unbleached flour)

Add whole wheat flour to yeast mixture.

Add honey, salt and oil,

Beat in 4 cups of bread flour (or unbleached flour).

Add flour additional flour 1/2 cup at a time.

Until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

I use kneading gloves from this point on. They not only keep your hands clean, but help
avoid adding too much flour. You can buy them online or at a specialty kitchen store.
 If you live in Texas or Oklahoma you might find roping gloves that will do the trick. 

Flour gloves and work surface.

Turn dough out onto work surface.  

Knead in 1/2 to 1 cup of bread flour until dough is smooth and elastic
 (takes about 5 minutes). The dough should not be hard to knead.

When you are finished, it shouldn't stick to your touch.

Preheat oven to 350. Cut the dough into three equal pieces.

Shape into loaves, keeping the outside dough lightly floured 

Place in greased pan.

I use kitchen shears to cut three little slits.

The slits just make it pretty when baked.

Cover with a clean tea towel while dough is rising. Be careful to
set the loaves out of the way. My brother once rested
his forearm on a whole pan of rolls.

This recipe can also be used to make 20 large rolls,
26 medium rolls or 32 tea rolls.
I even use a large plastic cup to cut out hamburger buns.

Let rise until almost double in size.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes
Take the loaves our of the pans immediately and cool on a wire rack.
If you can, and it's not always easy, allow the loaves to cool for 20 minutes before slicing.
Keep the butter and jam close by!

Sadly, I got distracted by shower preparations and did not get a photograph of the finished product. So I leave you with this--

Pink and Glitter Bridal Shower!

Margie, Mother-of-the Bride, Amy, and
Tara, Mother-of-the Groom
Photos by Raina McIlwain

My dear friend Amy picked a destination wedding in the Bahamas to commemorate her lifelong commitment to Ryan. Since not all Amy's friends would be able to make the trip, my daughter Lauren and I threw a bridal shower to include all her friends. Amy wanted a dressy evening cocktail party for her 20-something friends. Her mother preferred a more traditional daytime cake and punch shower for her friends. We compromised by starting at 6:00 p.m., serving heavy appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, and a light signature cocktail of strawberry nectar and champagne.
We begin gathering ideas and planning the shower six months before the chosen date. Amy's colors are pink and glitter. I researched current trends and pinned over 85 ideas to my Bridal Shower Pinterest Board. Some of the following are my original ideas, some came from Pinterest.
I got lucky to find "Bling" as a huge trend in the Christmas decorations. It began showing up at Hobby Lobby at 40% off in September.

I used glass ornaments hung on pink and silver garland to add sparkle.

Stairs wrapped in lights and silver mesh ribbon brought
more glitter to my home.

My dear husband outlined the walkway
in lights. I dressed up the "dogs" for the party.

A veil and a touch of bling decorated
the front door.

An area for the guestbook included Amy's favorite flower,
candles, and pictures of the couple.

A birdcage held gift cards.

We went to great expense to give each guest a ring as big as Amy's.

Above the fireplace are champagne bottles frosted with pink glitter. I wrapped a pink boa 
with rice lights, elevated silver candles on graduating sizes of cake stands, and 

 made arrangements with glitter picks, pink hearts,
and silver balls.

My daughter made the finishing touch, a banner hung on garland. 

These decorations were in place at least a week before the shower. I never wait until the last minute to do anything if I can help it. It's my idea of being in control. A false idea as it turns out. Of the 70 invitations mailed, I only received four regrets. I planned food and chairs for 35 to 40 people operating on the theory that only half of those invited will actually attend. I had no idea how many guests would show up. My anxiety alternated between fear of not preparing enough food and food going to waste. I'd rather make a trip to the homeless shelter with leftover food than not have enough, so I over-prepare.

I have a tendency to push myself and not delegate responsibility, but on this occasion I asked Lauren to come into town early to help me. For three days we tackled our chores. As we finished one list of tasks, I made another. On Saturday morning we rose early. Lauren frosted and assembled the "Dress Cake." We were almost to the point of assembling the sandwiches when disaster struck. 

I used an emulsion blender to cream strawberry jam and cream cheese. The mixture was to be spread on thin slices of pound cake and cut into finger sandwiches (no pun intended). I pulled the blender out of the bowl to check the mixture. As I tested the consistency with my left index finger, fatigue caused my right hand to twitch on the switch. I dropped the blender and rushed to the sink. I ran water over the cuts, but felt nothing. Lauren seeing blood in the sink, screamed for my husband. He rushed downstairs. I wrapped two paper towels around my finger and turned from the sink to assured her that I was okay. "Mom, there's blood all over your face!" she cried. I washed my face with my right hand. Ralph calmed her and took me out of the chaos of the kitchen and into the bathroom to inspect the damage. 

"I have butterfly bandages. We can fix this up," he said unwrapping my finger."Oh, no!" he said immediately wrapping my finger back up, "We are going to the emergency room. Apply pressure and keep your arm up. It's bad. Get in the car. I'll get my keys." 

I did as instructed, but protested, "I don't have time for this! People will be here in five hours!" I didn't stop to put on a bra or makeup, but began calling out instructions. "Lauren, call Margie and tell her what happened. She'll come help you. I'll call Karin and Laura from the car. They've offered to help. Follow the list on the counter and I'll be back as quick as I can." With my left arm in the air, I buckled my seat belt and dialed my cell phone with my right hand.

In hopes of a shorter wait, we chose Urgent Care rather than the ER. Luckily, I was their first patient of the afternoon.The nurse checked me in immediately. Waving a bloody hand in the air seems to expedite matters. She took my temperature, checked my blood pressure, and put me in a room.

As I lay on the table panic rose and threatened to overwhelm me. My brain whirled with doubt and fear: How can I finish the shower preparations; can I make all the sandwiches and put out all the food; can I finish the floral arrangements; can I tell someone else where the serving platters are if I'm laying on the couch; can I take a shower, much less do my hair and makeup; will I be able to host the party through the pain, or will I be in a haze from pain pills?

Dr Wu came in and introduced herself. She examined my finger and shook her head, "I will try to put it back together, but you didn't leave me much to work with." She explained the procedure and left the room to get the necessary supplies. 

While I waited for her to return it occurred to me that I never was in control. In spite of my compulsive organization and lists, life happens. Good things and bad things. They happen. I don't have any control. A verse came to me, "Cast all your anxiety upon Him; for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NASB). The stress and anxiety drained from my shoulders as I gave up control. I gave up trying to micromanage and be perfect.

 I remembered another verse, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (Philippians 4:8 MSG) I began to fill my mind with the best, not the worst. I still have a fingertip. It didn't mess up my manicure! I am blessed with amazing friends. My daughter is a wonder, she can do anything I can do!

It only took seven stitches and an hour and a half to get me back home. My marvelous friends had dropped everything to help Lauren. All the sandwiches were made and in the refrigerator. My friend Karin finished the flowers and helped me put together a table for the party favors. When she left I still had time to call my mother, cause sometimes you just need your mother. After a twenty minute nap, my husband bagged my hand and helped me take a shower. I had no problem with hair and makeup. I used extra trim to bling  my finger, popped a pain pill, and began setting out the food. 

Hostesses: Lacene, Lillee and Lauren

I ran a little behind getting the food out. A couple of ladies
jumped in and put out the sandwiches.

Other than my blinged up finger no one was
the wiser. My Sweetheart played bartender
and caretaker.

Lauren made her wonderful Mexican
Pineapple Cake

And the gorgeous Cake!

I made Lemon Tarts and Turtle Brownies to round out the desserts.

Lillee enjoyed delivering presents almost as much as 

Amy did opening them!

Lillee showed everyone where the food was

About fifty ladies attended and we had enough of everything!

The bride's thanks were so effusive she cried.

From the point I gave up control, I relaxed and had a great time. Not everything I wanted to do was accomplished, but it no longer matter. Our bride, and her mother, were thrilled. I call that a success.

Costume Party!

The class project to save pumpkins from
being carved turned pumpkins into book
characters. T-Bug picked Wonder Woman!
I love how she thinks and the resulting
creativity.

October has been drama-filled for me: illnesses; a new car; a car accident; a costume party; a bridal shower; and, a trip to Urgent Care to stitch up a finger mangled by an emulsion blender. I enjoyed some of those events much more than others, so I'm going to focus on those.
My granddaughter "T-Bug" celebrated her seventh birthday with a costume party. 
As we were planning her party I asked her what she envisioned happening. She described confetti cannons announcing her entrance into the room! She's my Pinterest-Girl! Big ideas on a small budget. I counseled her to aim a little lower and we began planning. 
Her other grandmother had already received the cake order:

A Jet's fan like her dad, T-Bug requested two cakes:

 

A football and a helmet.

Grammy outdid herself with the two requested and a
pumpkin too!

T and I created our centerpiece using a vase filled with
mallowcreme pumpkins, Peep ghosts, M&M's, candy body
parts and black roses. Mysteriously, some of the candy went missing
before the party.

We added a few more spooky treats and viola, "It's a Party!"

In addition to plenty of cake and ice cream, healthy treats were
like a bowlful of eyeballs (grapes) and fingers (carrot sticks) were
offered. Our mini pumpkins (created using magic markers on tiny
clementines) were the absolute favorites. Baby L decided to put glasses
on her pumpkin as a salute to GiGi!

Colorful straws for

bottles of water decorated with duct tape.

My glow-in-the dark mouse

and Jello-brain added a note of creepiness.

We didn't like the way our spider deviled eggs turned
out. Next time we will buy smaller olives. In spite of
that every single one was eaten.

The birthday girl told her mom, "Thanks for the best party EVER!"

Hope you have a blast handing out treats tomorrow night. Silently pray blessings on the heads of the children who come to your home. It's a treat that will bless you.