Miami Farmers Market and more Warmth

During our last winter break, we decided to go to Miami...I know, this post is long overdue...we were there until the New Years eve.

It was wonderful to have the warmth of the sun (it was more than the warmth, the temperature was in the 80s) , the beach, the layered-clothing-free walks, all of this in December (considering we live in Boston). Add to it the wonderful food and the company of old friends...all in all we had a blast !!!

The best part was I got to visit the local Farmers market one of those days, totally unplanned. Its refreshing to see fresh fruits and vegetables and flowers on a hot summer day, for me they have a certain coolness to them.

How could we not try the fresh coconut water, nature at its best. We (especially my son,) love to eat the tender coconut after slurping on the amazingly sweet and delicious water. What a treat !

I thing which always makes it to my "must do in Miami" list is to have Samosas (served with hot sauce/sambal olek) and Kabab rolls at Asia Grocery. I used to have them every week when I lived there, now going back to Miami and having them brings to me lots of memories and smiles.

Now back in Boston , trying to warm up my kitchen I made this simple and basic white bread one day. Nothing compares to a freshly baked bread and if its homemade you have the kitchen filled with warm aromas as a bonus.

The following recipe was very easy to make, not to messy either but the bread I thought was very dense, not as light and airy as the regular store bought sandwich bread, it was great for dipping and we enjoyed having it soaked dipped in extra virgin olive oil.

Basic White Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole milk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons sugar

One 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast

5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fine salt

Oil as needed

Method:

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and the sugar. Place over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat and cool to about 110 degrees F. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the milk. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt and set aside.

Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the bowl of flour and mix until a soft, ragged mixture is formed.

Transfer the flour mixture to a well-floured work surface and knead until a soft elastic dough is formed, about 10 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and place in a warm spot in the kitchen, until puffed and doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Transfer the dough to the work surface and, using your hands, gently flatten into a 10-inch-long oval shape. Fold the dough into thirds lengthwise, overlapping the sides in the center. Press down on the overlapping side to seal and make a seam. Place seam side-down in a buttered 9x5 loaf pan, cover with a kitchen towel, and return to the warm spot until the dough has just risen about 1 1/2 inches over the top of the pan, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Brush the top of the dough lightly with warm water and, using a sharp knife, make 1/4-inch-deep slit down the center. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Remove the loaf from the pan and place in the center of the rack. Continue baking until the loaf sounds hollow when rapt lightly with your knuckles, on the bottom and top, or an instant read thermometer inserted in the center registers about 190 degrees F., about 15 minutes.

Transfer the bread loaf to a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing

Do you have good recipe to make bread you would like to share? Which one is your favourite ? Whats your bread baking story ? tell me ...