Bread : it's what's for dinner . . . Works for Me Wednesday

    It occurs to me that I should be a marathon runner, not because I love to exercise, but because I am in a constant state of carbo-loading.

    You guys....I LOVE bread.

    Exhibit A: my "usual" at Panera.
     
    French Onion Soup in a bread bowl with a side of baguette

    Or as Mr. E called it this afternoon....

    "Bread with a side of soup."

    I admit it, I am smitten with bread...and Panera. And I LOVE than they give you the bread that was scooped out for the soup.  That chunk of bread is like a little piece of heaven. (Please tell me there is bread in heaven.)


    Speaking of bread (and I can't believe I've never shared this recipe before)...this is the ULTIMATE white bread for sandwiches, toast, snacking (?). :) If you love bread like I do, I BEG you to make it.

    {My pictures aren't great, but the bread....oh, it's incredible!  It's carbo-load time!}

    White Bread 101 
    {barely modified from The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion }

    3 c. all-purpose flour (you can subs. WHITE whole wheat flour here)
    2 tsp instant yeast
    1 & 1/2 tsp kosher salt
    3 TBSP sugar
    4 TBSP softened butter
    1/4 c. dry milk
    1/3 c. potato flakes
    1 & 1/8 c. lukewarm water

    Combine all ingredients together.  Dump onto a lightly floured surface and knead until you have a smooth dough...about 10 minutes.  Add more flour as needed, but add sparingly as more flour equals a heavier, drier loaf.

    Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl; cover with oiled plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour.

    Transfer to a lightly greased work surface and shape into an 8" log.  Place in a lightly greased 8.5" x 4.5" loaf pan.  Cover loosely with the oiled plastic wrap and let rise about 1 hour....or until the dough has risen 1 inch over the rim.

    Preheat oven to 350.  Uncover and bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until an instant thermometer reads 190 degrees. (Tent with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking if it is browning too quickly.)

    Remove bread from the pan and place on a wire cooling rack.  After 15 minutes, brush with butter.  Cool completely before slicing.


    Makes a mean grilled cheese or PB & J sandwich! 
    works for me wednesday at we are that family


    {This post about my love for "bread with a side of soup" is sponsored by Panera. My obsession with carbs, my love of French Onion soup and my extra 15 pounds are mine and mine alone.}Source URL: https://policfashion2011.blogspot.com/2011/03/bread-it-what-for-dinner-works-for-me.html
    Visit Police Fashion for daily updated images of art collection