There is something comforting 
about making bread

and there is something quit divine
about EATING fresh baked bread

I have not done this in years........
I dare to say it may be something like 15+ years

But all it took was having two of my little birds 
(and a darling daughter-in-law) 
come for a visit

While the three of them went off on an adventure today
I stayed behind to catch up on things
and make this delicious bread 
along with some lentil vegetable soup

I assume they will be a bit hungry when they return

This is a fabulous recipe that makes two large braided loaves
and it's a tad easier than most breads

CARDAMON BREAD

*5 1/4 cups all purpose flour
*2 TBS. Flax seed Meal
*1 TBS. Active Dry Yeast
*1 1/2 tsp salt (I used sea salt)
* 2 cups Almond Milk - 
plus a little more for brushing the loaves
*1 1/2 tsp coarsely ground whole cardamon seeds  
~~it helps to have a strong man nearby
to crush the seeds
with mortar and pestle
~~ I will also use more cardamon next time as I love the flavor
*1/3 cup Agave nectar or organic pure maple syrup
*1/3 cup  canola oil
2 Tbs or more Sugar in the raw to sprinkle on loaves

*Stir together almond milk, flax seed meal, agave nectar, oil, yeast, salt and cardamon in a large bowl

*Add flour (2 cups at a time) and mix thoroughly with wooden spoon

*Cover with lid or plastic wrap and then a kitchen towel 
and let stand
for 2 1/2 hours at room temp.

*Transfer bowl to fridge to rest overnight

*Preheat oven to 375
Coat baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper

*Divide dough in half

*Divide each half into three balls

*roll each ball into 18" long rope on a floured surface
*Place 3 dough ropes side by side and braid
pinch ends together and tuck under

*Cover loaves with kitchen towel or plastic wrap
and let rest for 30 min.

*Brush top of each loaf with almond milk
*sprinkle generously with raw sugar
*bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

*Cool on racks
place in jumbo baggies- flavor is even better the next day

I served this with whipped honey butter





8 comments:

Cinderella Moments said...

That bread looks delicious! Your house must have smelled amazing! I'm drooling over here!

Caroline

Terri Gordon said...

Hello Rella, Oh I can almost smell that wonderful bread, that is one of my favorite smells. Your loafs look beautiful. Thanks for sharing the recipe, might have to try this. I hope you are having a wonderful time with your son and his wife and your daughter. Have a great Sunday. Hugs, Terri

Marianne C. said...

Rella, your bread looks yummalicious!
What lucky little birds you have.
It sounds all Christmassy-cozy where you are.

Sending good wishes,
Marianne

Claudia said...

Oh goodness, it sounds heavenly. I love fresh baked bread and lentil soup is one of my favorites!

xo
Claudia

Caterina Giglio said...

oh yum! sending you much love and best wishes for a great holiday dear Rella!
and smoochlets back to you and spike!! xox

Awishdream said...

Well Miss Betty Crocker! that bread looks divine! and I bet it didn't last long....sorry I was late!
Enjoy your Holiday!
Hugs :)

Maija said...

Yummy yummy! Merry Christmas dear Rella!!!

debi said...

Oh Rella, your bread looks yummy! And the recipe sounds really good...I love cardamom!