Saturday, January 24, 2009


What does this picture have to do with anything?  Maybe I could say it is a representation of how I'm all locked up tight.  But really, it is a picture I took while experimenting with my new camera, and oddly enough, I love it.  It is just a lock, but somehow, I think it is beautiful.

Okay, so since I am feeling too fragmented to put coherent thoughts together, I am going to give you all a very fun list of the fun that has been happening here lately..

*went on a run with my 7 and 8 yr. old's this morning.  There was some crying (by them), cheering (by me), and accomplishment  by all.  And, because I couldn't let them quit there, it was followed by pilates. 
*I taught breadmaking at my house here on Tuesday, the house was full, the bread and jam were yummy, and it was a success because I know at least 2 people made bread later this week.
*Went shopping for new countertops. We want to cut off our high bar, and make it all one big counter. $1300 for all new formica, $3600 for solid surface, $5000 for granite, or $230 for the same color laminate.  What do you think we are going to choose?  If you know me at all, you know the answer.
*Went to the temple last night, and saw 2 very fun things. 1) super short tight shorts guy (at in and out) and 2) 1 foot high hair lady.  We had a couple great laughs.
*trying to lose weight by running 4-5 miles a day, eating less, and doing more strength training.  Having very little success.
*Questioning our parenting skills.  How independent should I let my kids be?  What should I expect from them? How can I inspire a positive outlook and self esteem? The questions go on, the answers do not.
*There's a long list of "should do's" and very little motivation for it (of course, if the list didn't include cleaning out closets, and included more quilting, maybe I could conquer it).

And, now because I have this handy dandy recipe all ready typed up and ready, here is the recipe for the yummy bread.  This is 100% whole wheat, I love this bread, I grind my own wheat and use it that day.  It is super duper addicting.

100% Whole Wheat Bread

2 Tbs. Yeast
2 3/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup dry milk
2 Tbs. Lemon juice
2 Tbs. Sugar
1 Tbs. Salt
1/3 cup oil
2 1/2 Tbs. Gluten
7-7 1/2 cups wheat flour


Mix warm water, sugar and yeast. Stir well until the yeast is completely dissolved, and allow the yeast to proof. Add lemon juice, salt, and oil. Mix well.

Put 7 cups of wheat flour in separate bowl, mix dry milk and gluten until incorporated. Turn mixer to stir, and add flour mixture. Mix well. Continue to add flour 1/2 cup at a time until bread dough is just firm enough not to stick to your finger when you touch it.

Let rise 30 minutes (or double in size), knead, and let rise again. Knead again then shape into loaves, and put in bread pan. Let rise. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely

10 comments:

Min said...

ok, this post is yet another example of your amazingness. (new cameras are awesome, keep experimenting!!)

running (i would have cried too), pilates (love it), how I wish I was at your bread baking party! Keep up the exercise and eating less, you'll get there. Parenting is just hard, none of us knows what we're doing!

And of course, some recipe questions: how long does it take for yeast to proof (or what should it look like), and how many loaves does this recipe make? (I will let you know how mine turns out!)

Thank you for sharing!

Sarah Bisel said...

Okay, this is when you'll find out that I am not amazing. I add the yeast to the water, sugar, and let it proof while I am adding the rest of the ingredients (like salt, lemon juice, and oil), and then I just go ahead and mix in the flour. It will look like it is foamy. After it is all mixed it will look pretty grainy, and coarse. Let it rise, and then knead it again (with your machine) for about 4 minutes ( I don't know how long I do it, I turn it on, walk away to do laundry, or clean, or play with a kid), then let it rise again, and knead it again for the same amount of time, then form into loaves, and let rise again, then bake. Does that help????

Sarah Bisel said...

Oh... and it makes 2 loaves.

Denise said...

Ok, you are amazing, but I've already told you that. So now I'm going to gripe... Oh wait maybe you're just amazing with a really bad memory. So I will remind you instead. I am your (favorite) sister-in-law and I (we) live about 25 minutes from the temple. You live 2 hours from us and we drive to visit you on a monthly basis. SO... next time you come to the temple and don't at very least call us so we can come down and meet you for dinner then I may have to demote your amazingness level a notch. I know, I know it's Bj's fault. Oh and Seth said to tell you that he is freezing to death and was really hoping to get his jacket this week.

Sarah Bisel said...

okay, so it really is bj's fault. We forgot the coat (sorry), but I said we should call you, and he has a crazy notion that he would have to drive an additional 40 minutes (instead of you meeting us)....anyway, I tried...it's all his fault, it always is.. ha ha. You are right to gripe. ANd, tell Seth, he can't be freezing, we haven't worn coats for weeks.

Min said...

Thanks for the helpful clarification! As soon as I get me some gluten, I am going to break in my new Bosch!! (gift from Ad for christmas) I'll report back. Do you want to post your recipe on BGK too?

And P.S., yeah, who needs a coat in AZ?? It's almost Feb--we barely need one in UT! =)

kimhumpherys said...

thanks for sharing! i'll try this one! i love mine that i discovered, but am up for trying another. this one is simpler. i just got a wheat grinder (hurray) and have over a thousand lbs of wheat..hehe! gotta get busy!

Summertime Designs said...

Sarah, you are wonder woman and such a great mother. And very nice photography skills! I was reading the comments about not needing a jacket in Arizona. I laughed on Sunday at the church parking lot when I saw that one of the cars had its shades put up in the front window to keep the car cool. Only in Arizona would you do that in January!

Kim Watson said...

I've been trying out bread recipes, but haven't found one that I like...your post is such great timing for me. Also, I love the picture you took with your new camera!

katie and co. said...

Just tried this today...I love the taste of it, but mine didn't turn out very pretty. I should have read the comments. I doubled it...and put it in 6 loaf pans (not 4 like I should have) Anyway, I love this recipe because it's not super expensive like having to use honey and eggs and stuff. This is just simple and nice to have another option for a wheat bread that is not super sweet. This will be great for sammies! Can't wait to eat the rest of it. Thanks for sharing!