We have completed the big move to Oregon from Pennsylvania.  Most of our stuff is moved in, so we thought it was time to do a cooking lesson.  Today was Sawyer's First Oregon Cooking Lesson!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time:  80 mins

Ingredients:

• 1  1/2 cups butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 2 Tablespoons Milk

• 1 Teaspoon vanilla

• 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

STEP ONE:

First step is proofing the yeast.  Add the yeast and sugar to warm water and whisk until dissolved.  Let it sit for approximately 5 minutes, or until tiny bubbles appear on the surface.

STEP TWO:

Whisk in the salt, and then add the flour, 1 cup at a time.  Make sure to mix each time you add a cup.

STEP THREE:

Start mixing the dough with your hands.  Dive in and get sticky!  You should be able to make a sticky ball.

STEP FOUR:

Sprinkle the counter with flour and place down the dough.  Knead it until it is smooth and elastic. This can take a couple of minutes.  

STEP FIVE:

Grease down a bowl with olive oil and place your dough ball, turning to coat in oil.  Let the dough rise to room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours.

STEP SIX:

Take the dough ball out of the bowl and cut in half.

STEP SEVEN:

Flatten each half into a rectangle.  We used a rolling pin to make it easier to flat.  The older children should be able to complete with just their hands. 

STEP EIGHT:

Once the dough is flattened into a rectangle fold it into thirds.  This concept is hard for the younger children to get so help them with the thirds.  

STEP NINE:

Once it is folded turn the ends under and place the dough (seem side down) in a greased loaf pan.

STEP TEN:

Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for approximately 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

STEP ELEVEN:

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool the loaf on a cooling rack prior to eating.  The loaf of bread is amazing for sandwiches, French toast and so much more!