And Abraham Went Out . . .

Cinnamon Bread

(from "Simply in Season," a lovely seasonal cookbook compiled by the Mennonites)

1/4 cup warm water
1 T active yeast
Combine in a small bowl and stir to combine.

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup milk (scalded) -we used almond
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil or butter
1 egg
1 T grated orange peel
1 1/2 t salt
(and a smattering of ground flaxseed. I add that to most baked goods for the extra fiber)
Combine in a large mixing bowl and mix well. When cooled to lukewarm, add yeast mixture and mix.

4 1/2 - 5 1/2 cups bread flour (I used used regular)
Add enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, turn to grease both sides, cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/4 hours. Punch down and divide in half. Roll or stretch each portion to a rectangle measuring 15 by 7 inches.

1/ 3 cup sugar
1 T cinnamon
Combine. Sprinkle evenly on the two rectangles of dough. Roll up, jelly roll fashion, from short end and place in a greased bread pan. Let rise until doubled. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 for about 30 minutes. Leave in pans 5 minutes and cool on wire rack.  (I went much lighter on the sugar mixture. It was quite good but I think I'll use more next time. Just for fun.)

Third piece.

Packing? Oh right. Yes, right on that. I took out a box and roll of tape. Yeah me. lol! In my defense, we had a great math lesson, states/capitals recitation with Nutmeg as our teacher, and a story time about Jane Addams. Reading and writing after lunch. And yes, I will put a few things in a box. Wahoo.  Happy Monday!