Well, congratulate me, everyone - Last night I actually made a yeast bread - the second one

M

meryl

Well-known member
in my entire life! (first was the NY Times No Knead Bread). It was the Chocolate Cherry Bread that Gay posted. Thanks Gay!

It didn't rise quite as much as I wanted, but overall, it came out really well. The main thing is that it came out as real BREAD - that's all I was hoping for!

Next time, I'll do several things differently - First of all, I'll do the first rise overnight in the refrigerator. This was so time-consuming, the whole thing took me about 6 hours! I don't know how you bread-bakers do it- it really takes over your life for several hours or a day or two.

The second thing is I'll chop 1/2-inch chocolate chunks, instead of coarsely chopped - the pieces were much too small, and just melted into the bread - they virtually disappeared. Or, I may just use chocolate chips instead.

Thirdly, I may add a little more brown sugar, maybe one more Tbsp. I don't like things sweet and prefer a dark chocolate taste, but I thought this could use a touch more sugar. Also, I omitted the 2 tsp granulated sugar that's sprinkled on top - I was afraid it would have a crunchy-sugar texture, but maybe I was wrong? I know it would add to the crackliness, but I don't like sugar-coated stuff. But maybe I shouldn't worry, since the egg white probably dissolves it?

As far as other changes, I used a little over 1/3 cup of dried cherries, instead of the 3/4 cup, since I basically don't like fruit with chocolate. I also used 1 tsp salt instead of the 1 3/4 tsp.

Other than being a slave to making the bread for so many hours, I actually had fun making it. I think I'm over my fear of yeast!

http://eat.at/swap/forum1/102698_Meryl_Here_is_a_recipe_from_Good_Housekeeping_-_Sounds_Amazing_-_Chocolate-Ch

 
Let me be the first--Congratulations! Once you've done it a time or two,

you'll find you can do other things--you don't actually have to stand there and watch it the whole 6 hours, LOL.

 
Standing and applauding!!! You go!!! Big Congrats. I wish I could make bread. Maybe someday! I am

jea;ous now and wish I could have some homemade bread too. The closest I come to making bread is beer bread. I have not made that in a very long time too. It does smell wonderful. "Smile" and many blessings,
Mercy

 
Hey, Mercy, if I can do it, ANYONE can! I'm so used to cakes, cookies, quick breads, etc., but this

was a real fear of mine. It really wasn't so bad, except for the time involved!

 
Yeah, it's a lot less expensive this way! I used dried tart cherries, which were slightly sweet.

 
Congrats, Meryl... I think it's fun to make bread, though I haven't done it in years. My first try

was as a brand new bride, practically...I made a Christmas braided fancy bread, I was SO PROUD of it, but I've never done one since! Heaven forbid!

I love sourdough and am dying to make some sourdough bread but I've never had success at having the sourdough grow, so, I'm discouraged before I start.

 
Meryl, I am so happy that you tried the recipe and will now become a seasoned bread maker...

Enjoy the process. It is so much fun and so rewarding.

Gay

 
CONTGRATS~ I have made yeast breads for quite some time, I have a NEVER FAIL TRICK :

I use a glass measuring cup and fill it with the amount of water requested for recipe.

Then~ I microwave the water for 15 seconds ONLY!!

Then~ I put in the yeast

Then~ I use a wire whisk and whisk the hell out of the yeast and water until quite frothy

Then~ I let it sit for about 10 to 20 minutes.

WORKS LIKE A CHARM EVERY TIME~ NEVER EVER!! FAILS ME

I have been doing this now for about 3 1/2 years and not one flop or disappointment

GIVE IT A SHOT ~ IT WORKS

 
~peeks over Meryl's shoulder to see what other goodies are stashed in her freezer~

Yours sounds so much more enticing than mine - unless you like Popsicles, TJs Wheat Bread, or miscellaneous packages of meat. smileys/surprise.gif

 
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