I came across these french bread rolls quite a while ago and have made them several times. They are very good! This last time I went to make them I decided I'd try to make it into a loaf because I didn't want to roll them out into several balls. Anyways after I shaped it into loaves (I froze one for later) and let it rise for the second time it looked like this, a flat wide blob of dough. Not really what I was going for. I have determined I need a baguette pan.
It tasted fine but it didn't have the same fluffy texture when made into rolls. So I decided to turn it into garlic toast. I LOVE garlic toast. I've found this garlic bread seasoning and have been putting it on my pasta and pizza, yummy! I did as the recipe suggested mixing some of the seasoning with softened butter. I stuck most of them in the freezer for later and then put the rest in a 400 degree oven for several minutes then turned it on broil. They turned out fantastic! They had a crisp Parmesan cheese thing going on. I don't have very many left as I have been eating them with the leftover spaghetti. Good thing I have another loaf in the freezer!
This isn't something I'm trying for the first time. I've been making it here and there for a few weeks. What is new about this time is that I tried it with part whole wheat flour and added vital wheat gluten to make sure it wasn't dense. I also put a loaf in the freezer for later. When I make the frozen loaf I'll let you know how it turns out.
If you've never made yeast bread it can be tricky but practice makes perfect or close to it anyways. I'm not going to give you a lesson in yeast and bread making. Here is a good tutorial that you can read if you're interested. If you start making yeast bread on a regular basis do not buy yeast at the regular grocery store. A small jar is about $7. Go to Costco and buy the big block of it. You get 2 lbs of yeast for $4-6. I can't remember how much I paid exactly but it was less than the grocery store and you get a ton more. So even if you end up not using all of it by the time it goes bad it's still far cheaper. Store it in your freezer to extend the life of it.
This is the recipe I have been using. I must admit I messed up when making it this time. I proofed the yeast first and you don't have to. Also I should have read through the comments again. Those that have used whole wheat flour added extra water. I did not.
It turned out just fine, though I prefer the all white flour version. Next time I'll use white wheat flour.
And by the way english muffin bread makes very good grilled cheese!
So this morning my oldest daughter wanted her usual toast for breakfast. For a while I've been making my own English Muffin Bread or a Wheat Flax Seed Meal Bread that she's been eating in the morning. (I'll create a post for each of those breads later on) I realize we are out of bread. So I decided I would make waffles for my girls. I looked in the pantry and see that I'm very low on syrup. Doh! So much for the waffle idea.
But wait! I remembered I pinned a homemade maple syrup recipe. Perfect opportunity to try it. I looked at the recipe and I had all the ingredients: sugar, brown sugar, honey, water, vanilla and maple flavorings (well I had imitation maple flavoring, close enough). I forgot to put the vanilla and maple in the photo, so sue me. The recipe seemed like it would make way more than we would be able to consume so I halved it.
Add the water, sugars and honey to a pot. Bring it to a boil. Cool 20 minutes and add your flavoring. Wait another 40 minutes for it to cool and then pour into your container(s).
I washed out my syrup container and poured it in using a mixing bowl with a spout. I had enough to fill the bottle and about 1/3-1/2 cup left over. This bottle is 27.6 fl oz.
Now, while I was simmering my syrup I was making the waffles. However, my waffles did not turn out. I did something wrong. So I will try again and have waffles for dinner instead. I did taste a bit of the syrup by itself and it tastes good!
DIFFICULTY: Easy peasy!
WORTH THE TIME: Yes. (as long as it tastes good on waffles and pancakes.)
COST SAVINGS: I dont' know but I'm sure it is way cheaper than buying store bought.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Yep. Instead of recycling that bottle I re-used it!
RECOMMEND IT: YES, Just Try It Already!
TRY IT AGAIN: Yes, but next time I will try with dark brown sugar and real maple extract.
If you have another syrup recipe for me to try just let me know and I'll put it on my Just Try It Already! list.
