Elmer Cat

Food

Elmer’s Bread

After several iterations, I’ve tweaked my own recipe for this hearty and delicious bread. It requires just a few staple ingredients and is easy to make. This bread also healthier and much less expensive than buying bread in the store. Rather than letting the bread machine bake it into an ugly loaf, I use the machine just for the kneading and first rise. Ultimately, I form the dough into an assortment of sandwich-sized rolls, breadsticks, pretzel shapes, etc.. Of course, some will be eaten hot out of the oven, but I’ll also have bread for a couple of days of fabulous sandwiches!

  • 1-1/3 cups water
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
  • 2 tbsp wheat germ
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1-1/3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp  = yeast

Add ingredients (in order listed) to bread machine.

Cycle 9 – Dough (30 min knead, 60 min rise).

(TIP: After about five minutes, the dough will often form into a ball that mostly just spins around with the hook. When that happens, elevate the back legs of bread machine 2 or 3 inches. Gravity will then stop the dough from centering on the hook and ensure thorough kneading. Return the machine to level after kneading stops, and for the duration of the cycle.)

When the rising cycle is finished, turn the dough out onto a floured counter. Cover with a damp towel and let it rest/rise for up to an hour.
Punch down the dough again and form it as desired into rolls or other creative shapes.

Place bread items on an oiled and cornmealed and/or oated baking sheet.

Cover with damp towel and put sheet in a quiet place for another hour or so while the dough rises again.

Preheat oven to 365  (with pan of water).

Bake at 350 for 20+ minutes until golden brown.

 
 

Garbanzo Soup

  • 1 cup dry garbanzo beans
  • 10 cups water
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 lemon (or 2 tbsp vinegar)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Add rinsed/cleaned beans to boiling water and boil for 5 minutes.
Turn off heat and let beans soak for at least an hour or so.
Add chopped onion, oregano, salt and pepper.
Cook for 1 to 2 hours until beans are tender.
Whisk flour with some cold water, add to soup and cook for 5 minutes.
Add lemon juice and olive oil. Done!