i've been baking

It would seem that I've settled into my new kitchen quite comfortably. Everything is starting to find its own little place and a nice rhythm has been established. I will admit that I'm quite liking it.

After a colossal flop of a loaf of bread a couple of weeks ago, (just so you don't think things always go right around these parts) I've returned to the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day recipes. Erin has been going mad with this book, as well as the newer one, Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day. I think I wrote before, when I first got the book, about my thoughts but that was a while ago so I'll repeat myself. I'll admit that these recipes aren't necessarily my favorite and maybe unlike most people, I actually enjoy the long process of bread making...the kneading, the rising, the kneading, the rising, the waiting, the shaping. But, for working folks like myself, being able to come home from work at 5pm and have a fresh loaf of bread ready by dinnertime is practically a miracle. And that part of it, I just love.

In addition to the breadmaking, I've been in full on baking mode. I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that I pretty much need some kind of baked good every day. Whether it's a cookie or something sweet like that, or even just a muffin or bread. I spend most of my day sitting at a desk, so around 2pm I usually need a little treat. Last week, I made a big batch of gingerbread flax muffins, which were amazing! (Side note: I doubled the recipe because I didn't think 6 muffins would be enough, but I ended up getting 16! Maybe mine are smaller that Isa's but, just a word to the wise, I think this makes more than she claims).

This week, the treat has been apple bread. I had one giant apple left over from a big bag of Haralson's that I snagged at the bargain shelf a few weeks ago and it was probably a little past its prime for eating. Perfect for bread.  This recipe is adapted from the one in Enchanted Broccoli Forest, which I first discovered in my college days.  I remember first making this when I lived in the co-op house (which I know I've written about here before) and diligently copying the recipe down into my little "cookbook" later on that year so I could save it.  I'm so glad I did that.

Apple Bread (adapted from Enchanted Broccoli Forest)

Ingredients:

1 large apple, grated and peeled (about 1-1.5 cups)

3 Tbl fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 Tbl melted non-dairy margarine

1/4 cup applesauce

1/2 Tbl ground flaxseed

2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350 and lightly grease a loaf pan.  In a medium mixing bowl, combine apple, lemon juice, and lemon zest.  Stir in brown sugar, margarine, applesauce, and ground flax.  In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and slowly add in apply mixture.  Add in vanilla extract and chopped nuts.  Stir until combined, but don't over-mix.  Pour into the loaf pan and top with cinnamon sugar if you like.  Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before serving.  This is still good later in the week toasted with a bit of soft margarine spread.  mmmm. Enjoy!