Bun in the Oven

Just Kidding! Sorry mom, no more grandchildren from me. I have 3 kids all under the age of 4 and my life is busy enough. My oldest daughter Lexi, who is 3 and a half but turning 14, tells us her favourite animals are armadillos and chameleons, corrects me when I call something an oval when in fact "it's an ellipse, mom", applies nail polish daily, will only wear skirts and dresses and tells me "you can just call me Fancy Nancy" are just a few of the things about her that make me smile daily. Then there is my son, Lincoln, just looking at him melts my heart. He is 2 years old and despite how often I feel like I clean his little face he is just always a mess! He eats 1 gummy and he has it in his hair or stuck to his pants. He has this new little attitude that is getting him in to a little bit of trouble these days but at the end of the day he will climb into your lap and ask you for his hug, kiss and cuddle. You just may have to give Buzz and Woody a kiss as well.  Last, we have my little Lucy. She is almost 7 months old and might be the happiest baby in the world. What we have learnt about Lucy is that she loves her baby mum mums, loves her sister when she plays with her, loves her brother from afar, loves to lounge on the couch with daddy and loves mommy's "food source". My kids and husband are the loves of my life and I would not change a thing about them, even when I do feel like I am going to go insane or want to breakdown crying or want to pull my hair out, which can be pretty often. But as much as I love them I am not ready to have another "bun in the oven", ever again.
I thought the title was fitting considering what's in my oven as we speak. It may not be a bun but it's a very large loaf of homemade bread. Bread is one item that I make very often in my house, sometimes 2 or 3 times a week. I don't own a bread maker and I would never buy one to this day. One thing I do have and use almost every day is my kitchen aid mixer. I consider her my 4th child. She gets much love and attention daily and brings me much joy in my life.

If you have an electric mixer you will never think that bread is hard to make ever again. Even without a mixer it really isn't that hard, your arms are just sore from all the kneading. First thing you will need to do if you are using a mixer is to attach the dough hook. Place 2 and a 1/4 tsp of yeast in your mixing bowl. Add 1 and a 1/2 cups of warm water, not to cold but not to hot, or you will kill your yeast. Let it sit about 5 minutes. Add 2 Tbsp of sugar, 2 Tbsp of softened butter, 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1 egg and 1 cup of flour. Mix it up.

Gradually, mix in 3 more cups of flour. If your dough is still sticky you may have to add up to another 1/2 cup of flour. Allow your dough to knead for a few minutes after you have added enough flour. Leave your dough in the mixing bowl, cover with a cloth and let it rise until doubled, about an hour.

Once your dough is risen, you can either shape it into your loaf as is or you can stuff it with something. Tonight I chose to make my bread with Monterrey Jack cheese in it (a family favourite). Slightly flatten down your dough. Place cut up chunks of cheese over your dough.

Fold your dough in half

Tuck All sides under

                                       Shape your loaf, let it rise about another 25-30 minutes.

I find bread cooks differently depending on your oven so the time may vary by about 5 minutes. If the top of your bread sounds hollow when you knock on it, it should be done. Before placing in the oven slice about 3 dashes with a  sharp knife across the top of your loaf. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes. After 20 minutes I usually lightly place a piece of aluminium foil over top of my life to stop from browning to much so just check your bread around 20 minutes. Once you have removed your bread, brush your whole loaf with a tbsp of melted butter.

                                         You better get some quick, cause it ain't gonna last!