Happy Friday everybody! 

I went back to the zesty well from 4 years ago and decided to share a classic “impress yourself recipe”.

Homemade bread made easy.

The smell. The flavor. Melted butter.

Today’s post (like the rest of the week) is dedicated to super easy to prepare food that tastes great.  I was talking to my great friend yesterday and I asked him what I should make and post about for Thursday.  He said “Zesty, why don’t you make a killer loaf of homemade whole wheat bread that is super simple to make”.  I said “JT, that is an awesome idea!”  So here I am, getting ready to share with you a quick and easy version of whole wheat homemade bread.

This is a great and versatile recipe that is open for variations and additives of your favorite flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 Tsp. honey
• 2 2/3 Cup lukewarm water
• 4 Tsp. dry yeast
• 3 Tbsp. Molasses
• 5 Cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 Tsp. salt
• 1/4 Cup wheat germ
• 1 Tbsp. Oatmeal (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F.
2. Stir 2 teaspoons honey into 2/3 cup lukewarm water.



3. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture. Set aside for 10 minutes.
4. Combine 3 tablespoons molasses with 2/3 cup warm water and combine with yeast mixture.
5. Stir into flour. Add salt, wheat germ and 1 1/3 cups warm water. Dough will be sticky.



6. Pour dough into a non-stick loaf pan.



7. Smooth top with wet spatula.



8. Sprinkle Oatmeal over top of loaf, if desired.



9. Allow to raise to top of pan.
10. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.
11. Cool 10 minutes on a rack, then turn out of pan.
12. Cool before slicing.
13. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: When working with Yeast – it is very important that the yeast is still active (therefore not expired) so be sure to check your labels.  Also make sure to dissolve all the yeast in the liquid before adding dry ingredients.

Wow, I must say I really do love homemade bread and it really does not get any easier than this recipe.  As well, look at the ingredients… so healthy and natural - it really is that simple.  Give this loaf a try and let me know how you do.  Would you suggest any ingredient substitutions or additions?

Have yourself a great Friday!

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

Last weekend I was playing around in the kitchen and created something unique with some root vegetables and fresh grape tomatoes.

Ever get tired of tasting the same old vegetables with your dinner? I do sometimes so I wanted to kick it up a notch with a funky glaze for some plain ole vegetables. The title pretty much sums it up but I did add a few more ingredients than just apple and molasses.

Have you guys noticed how few ingredients I have been using as of late? I have not even been trying to keep it to a minimum  – I guess I am just lazy!

Below is the low-down on the recipe that hopefully you will try. I realized as I was shooting this that a green vegetable would have been a nice addition. I will mention that in the zesty tip down below.

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Squash
• Grape Tomatoes
• Turnip
• 1/4 Cup Molasses
• 1 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
• 1/4 Cup Apple Juice
• 2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
• Black Pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 Degrees
2. Prepare all vegetables ( clean, peel and chop )



3. Combine soy sauce, molasses and brown sugar into a bowl and mix well.



4. Add apple juice and black pepper and pour over vegetables



5. Cover and bake until fork tender – About 45 minutes.
6. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: Roasting Vegetables intensify the natural flavors.  Different from boiling, roasting actually will enhance the flavors you choose to match with the vegetables. Try to combine root vegetables with this dish as opposed to leafy vegetables due to the cooking time.  Green vegetables would work well in this dish as well.

I hope you have a great day and stay tuned for another house update in the near future as well as a super fun product review.  Talk to you tomorrow.

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

WOW I am exhausted!  I just got back from checking out the house progress for today.  Garage footings are in place and things are taking shape.

I didn’t really have  much time to prepare dinner as I was invited to an off site meeting for work and homemade burgers were provided.  As I was checking my cooking bank – aka (all my cooked meals I have not posted yet) and I came across what I remember as a 5 ingredient chicken dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

This is definitely one you have to try.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts
• Carrots
• 1/3 Cup Molasses
• Black Pepper
• Onion Soup Mix ( low sodium)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add chicken and carrots ( cut in quarters) and place in roasting pan.
3. Add remaining ingredients, cover and roast for about 35-40 minutes.
4. ENJOY!

Zesty tip: Try not to overcook chicken, use the clear running juice technique to ensure the chicken is cooked but not dried and out and rubber-like.

Around the Blogsphere

Vote for Danica’s Nectarine Raspberry Sorbet Over Fresh Fruit! (vote here)

This is really a simple and fun recipe to try and you are stuck for time and want to try a different flavor combination.  I hope you have a great day

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty