Milk and Honey White Bread

Yesterday morning started off like any old morning - but let's just say...the day got hectic pretty quick. There were runny noses and potty training meltdowns. There were baskets (yes baskets) of clean laundry to be folded and puzzle pieces from 3 different puddles scattered all over the living room floor. A pee accident on our suede couch by our toddler and a sick baby boy that wouldn't nap and wanted to be held all day long. 

Ben (the lucky guy that he is) was working from home yesterday and got to witness all of the madness that was our Thursday. I'm sure yesterday was a day that he actually wished he was in the office! 

I noticed in the morning we were on our last few slices of store bought bread. I thought I'd try to start making more homemade bread around here and try out a recipe I found online a few days ago. After everything that was going on - why on earth did I decide that THIS DAY was the day I was going to tackle the time consuming task of making bread. I'm nuts I guess. BUT I was able to accomplish this mission I made for myself. And even though I had frazzled hair and peanut butter smeared on my shirt, I did feel a little bit like super mom afterwards. That would of been a cute picture to insert here in this post...NOT! Ok enough with the caps lock...I promise I'm not yelling - just a bit excited here.

I had to tell myself yesterday to slow down. Do one thing at a time. Not to expect so much out of myself in one day. If the laundry gets folded at 3pm or after the kids are in bed at 8pm, who cares. At least it's getting done. A calm happy mom is better than a stressed out impatient one. I need to remind myself of this everyday. To be the mom I want to be for my kids means I just have to pick my battles and let some things go. There were a few other things on my list for the day to get done that didn't. But that's ok. Today is a new day. So if you're struggling with this same thing today (or any other day) you're not alone! I totally understand you! Call me up and we can exchange stories! Haha.

Before I start getting back to the jobs in the house that need some extra TLC today, I wanted to share this bread recipe with you! 

We had spaghetti for dinner last night and this bread really topped off the meal. What's better than fresh bread still warm from the oven? It was so soft and fluffy, and the buttery crust was just so delicious. 

Someone was super curious about what was making the house smell so good. He couldn't wait to climb up on the stool to get a closer look. 

He's excited!!!!! Love that face!

The hint of  sweetness from the honey in this bread really was the star ingredient. I'll definitely be making this again! On a not so hectic day hopefully. 

If you're having a day like I did yesterday - Slow down. Take a breath. We all have days like this. We're not failing because we can only do so much in a day. There is always a new day. And with a new day comes new strength and new thoughts. I challenge you - make this day a stress free day today! 

And seriously, this bread is amazing. Try it out! 

Thanks for reading!

S

Milk and Honey White Bread

4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (2 packets)

2-1/2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)

1/2 cup honey

6 tablespoons butter, melted + 2 tablespoons reserved for greasing bowl and butter top

1 tablespoon kosher salt

7 cups all-purpose flour

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add yeast, warm milk and honey. Swirl with a spoon to dissolve the yeast.  Allow to sit until the yeast starts to bubble and becomes aromatic, about 5 minutes. 

2. Add butter and 4 cups of flour, mix on low using dough hook, until smooth.  Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (mine usually takes the whole 3 additional cups) add salt.  Allow to knead for about 5 minutes. You should have a ball of tacky (not sticky) dough at this point

3. Put onto a floured board; knead about 10 turns. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. Punch dough down and shape into two loaves. Place in greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350° for glass and dark pans (375° for light metal pans).  Brush tops with melted butter.

Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!