Hmmm. Where'd summer disappear? Well, the good thing about nearing the end of summer is that MOCKINGJAY is releasing soon. Are you one of the people who still has HUNGER GAMES on their too-be-read list? This is a great week to start reading. Although next week would be better. And plan to take the day off because once you sit down with the first book, there's no getting up for any non-essential activities. In fact, it would be best if you just bought or borrowed all three books at once.
But I'm not here today to discuss the meritorious nature of Collins' books. Rather, I present you with a recipe: a small homage to Peeta Mellark, that savior of all things Katniss. In the novel, the bread is described as stuffed with raisins and nuts. My version is made with whole wheat since I'm guessing Peeta would have known that whole wheat would provide Katniss and family with more nutrition per bite.
Enjoy!
PEETA BREAD
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
3/4 cup warm milk (100-120 degrees)
2 cups warm water (100-120 degrees)
2 T. yeast
1/8 cup sugar
Stir once and let sit until yeast has proofed. (Become bubbly.)
Add to above mixture:
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup loose-packed brown sugar
1 T. salt
3 cups whole wheat flour (fresh ground if you can grind it)
3 cups white flour or until sides of bowl are clean when mixing.
Mix together by hand or with dough hooks on a mixer until you have a beautiful dough. Knead in 1-2 cups walnuts and 1 cup raisins, 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
Often I add an additional cup whole wheat, but I live in a damp climate.
Let dough rise in an oiled, covered container until doubled. (1/2 hour to 90 minutes)
Divide dough in half. Form loaves and place in greased pans. Let rise in warm place, covered, until doubled.
Bake in preheated oven at 350 for 35 minutes.
For the full Katniss experience (which I do not recommend) you would avoid eating for a month before enjoying this delicious bread. And there's something about putting the loaf under your shirt that just sounds really painful as well. That's it. I need to re-read obviously.
Happy Baking while you wait for MOCKINGJAY!
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