Baking bread- yummy and box for Afghanistan

I was just in the mood today to bake bread! I needed to pound something and that seemed like something good to me. Not only can I pound it, give my arms a workout, but... we get to eat it later!! WOO HOO!!

I made enough loaves to share with a few special friends here too.

Here is the recipe I love to make. It takes me about 3 1/2 hours total with rising and baking and everything.
-------

Bev's Even Easier Wheat Bread
3 Tbsp of active dry yeast
2 3/4 c warm water (110 F) or so 6 cups unbleached white flour,
1 cup wheat flour
3 TBsp honey
2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil

Sprinkle yeast on water in a large bowl, and stir till blended. Set aside for 5 minutes. Add 3 cups white flour and 1 cup wheat flour, honey, salt and olive oil. Slowly add 3 more cups flour and mix by hand.

When mixed together turn out onto floured counter and knead with hands, pound it, knead it, mix it, beat on it (!) for 5 minutes. Place back in an oiled bowl, turn it over in the oil, then put in a warm place and let double in size. (about 45 mins)

Knead again, beating down and kneading with hands for several more minutes, adding a little more flour if needed so dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Cut bread into 3 loaves, and perhaps a couple of smaller ones too! I always seem to get more bread out of my recipes than similar amounts in other recipes!

Place in greased (I use veg. spray) bread pans. Place in warm place again and let rise till doubled. (45 mins) Remove from oven and heat oven to 375 degrees. Then bake in a 375 F oven till light brown and done- about 45 minutes.


Remove from oven and spread a little butter on the top of each loaf.
This tastes incredibly good, sliced and served with:
HONEY BUTTER... 1/2 cup soft butter mixed with 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.

------------------------------
I also have a box on my kitchen table that I am getting ready to mail to our soldier, Steve over in Afghanistan.. It's mostly an abundance of newborn baby hats, but there are a few other things in there too. We had so many extra hats from Crafting Angels last time and I know we will get more as you readers are so incredible about sending those for our kits. I figured I could pack a few in the box to help those little ones so far away, over in the cold.

If you would like to help with the 'Baby Project', please click HERE! Send any gently used clothes or toys or handmade warm hats, mittens, scarves etc. Blankets would be really welcome! I know they are serving 150 FAMILIES in the refuge camp near their base, as well as 2 orphanages.

And please, no lectures to me, about how we should be helping out 'own'. I am well aware of that and I do, not that it concerns anyone besides me and my Heavenly Father, but I know people are upset by this project sometimes. I get the emails about that...

I have already posted a response to this in one of the other message responses, so I will spare you. But, I know in my heart that we should serve anywhere our Lord leads us, and I know the families in Afghanistan need our help right now. Our US Soldiers NEED us to send things right now too, as it does as much good to lift their spirits as it does for ours as we make those items. They need us too.

For other projects:
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/charity-links.html

----------
Ok - 'nuff said on that subject. =) Don't wanna bring anyone down - there are projects out there for everyone on this planet to help with in their own ways. Just choose one that suits you, maybe in your own house or neighborhood, ok? =) Hmmm that bread is smelling really good and it's only been in the oven about 10 minutes! I do love to make bread as it is really therapeutic and since Mike was transfered up north, I just have not been in the mood to make any or to take a 'day off'. I have been filling every minute of every day to kill time I guess. Not real healthy!

Speaking of bread... I spilled a little wheat flour on my kitchen floor and didn't clean it up right away, guess who ate it!? Yup-- 'Cookie'! I didn't get a photo of her face but it was hilarious! She had wet wheat flour all over her mush! I was afraid it would harden so I just washed it off.
She is a character! I am loving Shih-Tzus more and more! She is just dear.

Well, time to take the dogs outside, and get my bread from the oven. Have a most wonderful day today! Maybe do some holiday baking for your kids, grandkids, or neighbors!!

Church Window Cookies
No BAKE! And they only take about 10 mins to make up! Always been a traditional cookie in our home at Christmas :-)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
12 ounces chocolate bits
1 cup walnuts, chopped
10 ounces colored marshmallows
14 ounces flaked coconut Instructions:
Melt butter and chocolate bits over low heat. Allow to cool slightly. Stir in nuts and marshmallows. Spread coconut on wax paper. Divide chocolate
mixture into two rolls. Roll in coconut. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Cut in 1/2-inch slices.

HUG the ones you love!
BevQ