Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Cranberry Bread

(from the book "Cranberry Thanksgiving")
2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 c. margarine
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp orange peel, grated
3/4 c. orange juice
1 1/2 c. raisins or craisins
1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg, orange peel, juice; stir until evenly moist. Fold in raisins and cranberries. Spoon into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 10 min (may cook sooner, check it after 50 min.) Cool on rack.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Indian Chapati bread


I claim no expertise in making this bread and the picture may prove it  (I didn't bother to puff this batch: see step 7) - but my family loves it and it's a quick last-minute addition to a curry meal. Also a great way to involve my kids in contributing something simple and fun to the meal.
Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup (more or less) water

To Prepare:
1. Spray skillet with oil and heat to medium high.
2. In medium bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Make well in the center of the flour and pour in the water.
3. Mix with clean hands and knead into workable consistency.
4. Break off golf ball size pieces of dough, roll into a ball, dust with flour and flatten with hand.
5. With rolling pin, roll into thin circle and place onto skillet.
6. Cook on one side until bubbles appear, then turn and cook 1 or 2 minutes longer.

7. Optional step for me: to puff chapati, hold it with tongs over an open flame on a gas burner. If you don't have a gas stove, use a paper towel to push down on the edges of the chapati while cooking. Brush cooked chapati with butter or oil.