MOM'S FARM BREAD

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 pkg or 1 Tbsp yeast
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• 1. 3 cups warm water
• 2. 1/2 cup sugar or honey or molasses
• 3. 1 tsp salt
• 4. 1 Tbsp vinegar
• 5. 1 large egg (optional - produces a nice crust)
• 6. 1/2 cup vegetable oil OR 1/2 cup applesauce
• 7. 6 cups flour, approximately
• Raisins or sprouts or some leftover cooked vegetables

Mix together first 6 ingredients (plus any leftovers, etc.). Got raisins or sprouts or some leftover cooked vegetables? Throw them in! Add two cups flour and risen yeast. Beat well until yeast and flour are absorbed. Add more flour, a cup at a time, and continue kneading in more flour until dough will no longer absorb any more. Dough should be smooth and elastic by this time.

Grease a large bowl and place dough inside bowl. Turn dough in bowl to grease all sides and cover with a towel. Let rise for 1 hour in a warm place free of drafts (inside an oven with the oven light on works well). Remove dough from bowl. Punch down and let rest 5 minutes, then form into loaves or buns. Let it rise for another hour. Bake 20 minutes at 400°F. Makes 2 large loaves or 3 smaller loaves.

** For an even nicer texture, punch dough down and let rise a 2nd hour before forming into loaves or buns.

*** From: Harriett Fjaagesund