Friday, September 9, 2011

A French Bread Recipe, An Antique French Dish Drying Rack, and French Farmhouse Antiques in the Kitchen



Hello!
I am sorry for being so absent this past month...
This summer was slightly busy for us....
I have lots to blog about, I just haven't had the time to write a post....
I also realized today I never announced the winner of my giveaway....
I am really sorry!
The winner of the 200.00 giveaway is Ryane, who left an anonymous comment,
and was from New York.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in my giveaway!



On another note...
I wanted to share a french bread recipe my sister, Monica, passed onto me.
Monica taught me how to make bread about fifteen years ago.
I also wanted to share a few ways I use my french antiques in my own home.



It is one of the easiest recipes and truly is a family
 favorite....


I hope you don't mind but there are a lot of pictures in this post....
I usually find about a 100 different ways to photograph something.
I got a little carried away....


Monica's French Bread Recipe....

2 TBL. Dry Active Yeast
2 TBL. of Sugar
3 Cups of warm water.
1 TBL Sea Salt
4 Cups of Unbleached White Bread Flour
2 Cups of Unbleached Whole Wheat Bread Flour


They come in all different shades of white...)
I thought I would share  pictures of a few of the steps of making this french bread as well.


Mix your yeast and sugar together.....


Add warm water to yeast mixture....


Whisk together slightly before letting your yeast and water mixture sit....


Let your yeast mixture sit for 5 minutes.


Your yeast mixture will become foamy like the mixture below.


Lightly whisk your yeast mixture...



Add one tablespoon of sea salt to your white flour...
I love using this sea salt in all my baked goods, you can purchase this particular sea salt from
If you are ever in Amador City, Ca, you should make sure you stop in,
it is the best bakery....


Add white flour mixture to yeast mixture one cup at a time, hand whisking mixture until 
smooth, after every cup.
I also have to tell you about a favorite brand of flour I love to use for baking....
Whenever we go back home (Montana) I stock up on some Wheat Montana Flour,
it truly is the best flour....
You can also order their flour online....



Attach your dough hook and mixing bowl to your kitchen aid.


Add wheat flour one cup at a time mixing well with the dough hook.


Attach your dough hook and mixing bowl to your kitchen aid.
Add wheat flour one cup at a time mixing well with the dough hook.
Knead the finished dough with dough hook for five to seven minutes.
Your dough should be slightly sticky.


Cover with damp cloth and let the dough rise for a total of one hour.


During that hour punch down the dough and slightly stir every 10 minutes,
this gives your dough the unique french bread texture you are looking for.


On a floured surface divide dough into two sections.
Roll each section into a long rectangular form.
Fold over rectangle length wise then fold into french bread form.
Pinch all edges.
Place both rolls on a greased jelly roll pan.
Make 1/4 inch deep slashes across loaves.
Let loaves rise for 20 minutes.


Monica's French Bread Recipe....

2 TBL. Dry Active Yeast
2 TBL. of Sugar
3 Cups of warm water.
1 TBL Sea Salt
4 Cups of Unbleached White Bread Flour
2 Cups of Unbleached Whole Wheat Bread Flour

Mix sugar and yeast in a small mixing bowl.
Add warm water and let yeast mixture dissolve for five minutes.
Your yeast mixture should be frothy.
(Kitchen Aid instructions)
If you don't have a kitchen aid, hand knead your dough.
While yeast is dissolving, in a separate small mixing bowl mix white flour and sea salt.
Once yeast has dissolved pour into kitchen aid mixing bowl.
Add white flour mixture to yeast mixture one cup at a time, hand whisking mixture until 
smooth, after every cup.
Attach your dough hook and mixing bowl to your kitchen aid.
Add wheat flour one cup at a time mixing well with the dough hook.
Knead the finished dough with dough hook for five to seven minutes.
Your dough should be slightly sticky.
Cover with damp cloth and let the dough rise for a total of one hour.
During that hour punch down the dough and slightly stir every 10 minutes,
this gives your dough the unique french bread texture you are looking for.
On a floured surface divide dough into two sections.
Roll each section into a long rectangular form.
Fold over rectangle length wise then fold into french bread form.
Pinch all edges.
Place both rolls on a greased jelly roll pan.
Make 1/4 inch deep slashes across loaves.
Let loaves rise for 20 minutes.
Bake at 400F for approximately 18 to 24 minutes,
or until the bottom of the loaves are golden brown.


I also discovered that my antique french dish drying rack also makes a great bread cooling rack....
I place a french linen towel in the rack and then set the two loaves of bread directly in the rack after they are finished baking....
I have noticed that my bread doesn't sweat when cooling the loaves this way.....
I love how it adds french farmhouse charm to my kitchen as well : )

I will soon be carrying french linen towels in my shop.


The french jam pots work well as a butter dish....


I recently found this antique french mustard jar,
while I was out shopping with my sister last week : )
I was lucky and found three of these little jars...
I will  be adding a few of these beautiful french mustard jars to my shop.
This particular jar has a different design on both sides of the jar.


They make  great jars for putting honey in...
We go through a lot of honey around here. : )


I am a big believer in actually using my french farmhouse antiques...
They aren't just for display...
I always enjoy finding a different purpose then the original one for my french farmhouse antiques.


I love this antique blue french transferware plate.

I hope you get a chance to make this french bread...
If you do please let me know how you liked it : )


I thought I would also share a favorite cookbook with you as well....
This is one of the best cookbooks I have ever bought.
It has so many great baking techniques and tips...
I have learned so much more about baking because of reading this cookbook....


I also wanted to let you know I uploaded a lot of new items to my shop last weekend....





They have a beautiful monogram on the back side of the fork.



I was told the reason there is such a beautiful design on the back side of the fork is because the french set the table with that side of the fork facing up...

On a final note....
I often get requests to send out newsletters when I add new products to my online shop.
I do not have a newsletter set up at the moment...
I have been posting on facebook when I have added a group of new items to my shop...
You don't have to have a facebook page to visit my wall either.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop in for a visit...
Take Care,
Maria
P.S. The sweet little blueberry pie came from Andrae's Bakery.

48 comments:

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear Maria,
your bread looks so delicous! Thank you for the recipe!
And the photos are very beautiful!
Have a nice weekend,
Hugs,
Yvonne

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria:) Your sister's bread recipe sounds and looks delicious! So glad you let us know we can check out your FB wall without having a FB page of our own... now I know where to check for updates. :) Saw the sweet pics of your new baby niece... she is just adorable! Glad all is well with you and your family. :)
xoxo,
Jo

Sylvia said...

Making bread has never seems easy to me , but Monica's bread recipe sounds so delicious and your wonderful photography makes it look effortless.I love these vintage jam pots - I have always enjoyed my visits here .Keep up the energy, dear Maria !

Anna at the Doll House said...

I bake bread often and it is much easier than many people think, as your step by step post shows. You have got a perfect result, so, I'm going to try this recipe.

Anna

Sara S. said...

I love making bread. There's something so comforting about kneading the dough and the bread baking makes the house smell so wonderful. Thanks for sharing the recipe, I'm going to try it soon!

White Vintage said...

Dear Maria,

Your bread looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Trying it out will be my task for tomorrow.

:D
Manuela

Anne Lorys said...

The bread looks just delicious, lovely photos, too.

Sorry I haven't been around much, the medical drama of late has been a nightmare.

Glad to see you back!
Love,
Anne

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Oh my Maria, everything in this post is sooo divine! I love making homemade bread here at home too - I will definitely have to try out this recipe soon. I'll let you know how that goes! I also have that cookbook, and yes, it does have the BEST tips! Anyway, I adore your french farmhouse antiques, and I really love how you actually use them vs. just only displaying them. And the photos, well - you are just plain talented! Thanks for the constant inspiration!!!!


XOXO's,
Jessie

Nicole said...

love all the photos. so beautiful. and i adore all your dishes.

Just White said...

Oh Finally you are back!!! So glad!!! For a moment I thought that my blogger wasnt updating your blog...I am glad you have been busy having fun!!
I love this photos and bread of yours, Hope I can make one too :-)
Love, Eliana

the vintage bricoleur said...

I too like to use my vintage dishes. The bread looks delicious. I will try the recipe, it looks like a keeper. Terry

Lars John Anderson said...

oh yum. (the bread looks good too) ;) I make a sour dough bread but I just may have to try this!

TY for sharing!
-Heather

Sweet Young Journey said...

Hi Maria! Thank you so much for sharing your sister's bread recipe with us! I'm definitely going to have to give it a try : )
I'm so absolutely head over heels in love with all your French tableware!
I hope you and your family have a beautiful weekend!
xo Cheryl

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I love the blue and white and pink and white plates . . . of course, that bread would be delicious on any plate.

Fondly,
Glenda

butiksofie said...

Dear Maria, I bought the book straight away:-9, thanks for these beautiful pics, hughs Anja

Rachel said...

Hi dear! Congratulations to the lucky winner and to you, my dear! So lovely candy! And what an amazing recipe! wow Loved! Have a wonderful time, dear! :D

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

My husband(who used to be a chef) makes a similar recipe, but with only white flour and without the sugar. We've been wanting to make it with whole wheat flour and I will pass your recipe on to him. It really is so easy to make, smells so good and tastes so yummy coming out of the oven. Thanks for posting your recipe!

primjillie said...

Beautiful pictures. I love the dishes you use. It makes me want to go home and set my table and eat! The wire dish rack is also adorable!

Jill Palumbo

bikim said...

hummmmmmmmmmmmm!
so pretty!!!!
happy weekend,
Rosa

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

Only you could make bread making beautiful!

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

Hi Maria- Love all the pictures!! I wish my family loved bread as much as me. It might be a bit of overindulgence if I made a loaf for all for myself:) Loving all the new items in your shop. Have a great weekend!
xo, Cheryl

Cindy said...

Every single thing is this post is beautiful and wonderful... Amazing photos, precious little jars, and vintage silver, and butter and fresh homemade bread ... holy moly, even the lighting is gorgeous... i think i need a cigarette after reading this post!

Cindy

under spanish moss said...

The bread looks delicious. Saving the recipe so that when life slows down a bit this winter we can try it. Love the French silverware.
Angela and Renee

Seawashed said...

Maria, Definetly do not mind all of the photos...love your photography sweetie! I always use sea salt in all my baking and cooking. I usually make french bread in my breadmaker because I do not have a kitchen aid and well it is just easy. But your recipe and photos tempt me to try it by scratch and with my hands. Thank you also for the tip on the bakery. We like to visit the foothills in Autumn and usually make at least one trip to the Sutter Creek area so now I can look forward to finding Andrae's Bakery! My favorite shop to visit is of course the Antique Gardener but I have not been since your items have been added. Looking forward to that as well. I have such fond memories of strolling the tiny winding streets with my small children. They always found some stray cat to hug or a strange bug to pick up and examine. It was a season that went by too quickly for me. Enjoy these days with your children...they are fleeting. Before you know it they are off chasing their own dreams and you are left with more time to fill with yours. One of my daughters was on the Ch. 19 news last night! So strange to see my grown up girl(she's 19) on t.v. I also so enjoyed your Sonoma Lavender wedding shoot below. Oh my goodness it is just Dreamy. I am still enjoying your lovely lavender laundry set and bundle of lavender. ox

TheCrankyCrow said...

You had me at "bread." Yikes....I grew up on the best home made bread ever - but, believe it or not, have never made it myself...This post is making me think I can, I will. Thank you for that....and for the little slice of heaven you've given in your wonderful photos....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Rose Garden Malevik said...

Hi Maria
what a Lovely Post...and Welcome back :)
and do not miss...

S
A
T
U
R
D
A
Y

S
H
O
W

O
F
F

WELCOME :)
HÃ¥kan ( The roseman)

Erin Southwell said...

So glad to see you back! Absolutely lovey photos. I love a good bread recipe, thank you for sharing!

jean said...

The bread recipe sounds good!! I will make and eat with my homemade jams&jellys! I love doing unusual jams

Sandy said...

My Sunday Morning Kitchen will have the smell of this wonderful Bread baking.. thank you for the recipe.. I love a good loaf of bread!
Sandy

Sarah said...

Honestly Maria, you have the most beautiful blog! It makes me feel completely inferior and why do I blog?? I can't compete!! It is gorgeous and you have a real talent and eye for photography - I don't even bake, but after reading through this, it makes me want to!! fabulous...;-) x

debra@dustjacket said...

This post was such a delight...the recipe the gorgeous photographs and you!
xxx DJ

pensjonat frua said...

Delicious!!! Maybe I try it here in Norway! I love your blog:)

Lauren B said...

Thanks so much for sharing the recipie. I have a French Bread recipie that I make all the time and we love it! This week I'll make this recipie. I just purchased 10 lb of whole wheat flour so I need to use it! (Can you tell I enjoy baking!)
I completely agree with you about using your antiques! Lovely pictures, thanks for taking time out of your crazy summer for us!
Lots of Love!

Vintage Home said...

Yummy recipe..Thanks for sharing it!.I try to use all our antique & vintage stuff too!...juST wash by hand and away we go!

Brenda Nassarian said...

Love your blog..Ive been checking it out for sometime now...do you buy in France? We are in Antiques and decorative furniture in Arundel Sussex in the UK...my son lives in California though..he's a menswear designer...my ambition would be to have a store in Cali with my decorative furniture and my sons designed clothes...love all the links to other blogs..could spent hours !
kind regards Brenda at Arundel Eccentrics

Passionate for White said...

I'm not sure what I like more...the awesome pictures, the bread I could almost smell or my initials (D S) on the linen cover! :)

Diane Schmidt said...

Looks delicious, I love bread and am planning on making this VERY soon :) Great photos!

Anonymous said...

I just pulled two gorgeous loaves of your sister's bread recipe out of my oven! I will have trouble waiting until dinner to cut and taste! :)

Anonymous said...

Delicious bread! I will make this over and over!! Thank you for posting the recipe. :)

JENNY K. said...

Beautiful photographs. I'm going to give this recipe a whirl today. I make bread weekly for my family and the french bread that I make doesn't have sugar. I'm looking forward to this one. Thanks for sharing.

Petie said...

I just made your sister's bread and it is delicious. At first, when I was mixing the yeast and I saw 3 cups of water, I thought you had made a mistake, but you typed the recipe in two places, and they both said 3 Cups of water, so that is what I did. Thank you so much for sharing.

Daily Cup of Couture said...

This bread looks absolutely delicious!! Thank you for sharing!

xx

Only Beautiful Things said...

Your bread and all photos look really tasty! I must try You recipe. Greetings!

mayfair personal trainer said...

Your sister's bread recipe sounds and looks delicious!

Unknown said...

Yummy!

Thanks for sharing the recipe!!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

The photos are amazing of the bread. I'll have to try the recipe. Love your blog...


Love, Jody
rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
thymeforhome.blogspot.com

Just White said...

Hi!

Few questions! Did the recipe but dough is too sticky and breads looks like a chiabatta instead of bread?
Could you please weight one of your cups of flour in order to use the same amount?
Thank you in advance, Eliana

Pravani said...

It was a beautiful rainy day today and so I spent a few hours in the kitchen trying to make some mussel soup to go with this delicious bread recipe of yours. Unfortunately I burnt the soup but your dear bread recipe saved the day. I loved your pictures, they were so helpful. Thanks for taking all the trouble to take those pictures and give a beautifully detailed recipe!