Challah

Here is another braided bread recipe... Straight from Canada (expect for a quick stop in Scotland).

This makes two loaves. And requires time, as it involves a lot of wait-for-the-dough-to-rise-ing.

Ingredients :

Yeast mixture :
• 2 packets yeast
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
Alternatively, you may use instant yeast that you will directly add to the dough, and then add about one cup of warm water - this way, the bread may not really rise until in the oven, but it will not have that yeasty taste.

Dough :
• 4,5 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 3/8 cups sugar
• 1/8 cup honey
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg for brushing + poppy or sesame seeds if you feel like it.

Once all of this is gathered :

- Combine yeast mixture and set aside for 10 minutes (unless you're using instant yeast, in which case you just have to skip this part)
- Mix dough ingredients with yeast mixture (or, instant yeast + water). Add flour for consistency.
Mix by hand for 15-20 minutes - the more the better.
- Turn in greased bowl, and et rise for 1h-1h30 covered in saran wrap.
- Punch down, let rise for a further 45 minutes.
- Separate (half) and braid for two loaves. (To braid, separate in 5 bits, stretch them, then stick them together at one end, and it's basically over-under-over-under.)
- Let rise for 45 minutes, then brush with eggs and sprinkle with seeds.
- Bake at 185°C for 30-35 minutes.
- If it all went according to plan, this thing shall not last long. Which is all for the best, as it's better when straight outta the oven.

Pilgrims Cornbread

I'm pretty sure the "New World" owes the survival of it's first citizens to this delicious and hearty food. So today I bring it back to the "Old World" for your enjoyment!

In one bowl mix together:
-190ml cornmeal
-375ml flour
-4 tsp baking powder
-60 ml sugar
-1 tsp salt

In a separate bowl mix together:
-375 ml milk
-1 egg
-2 Tbsp vegetable oil

Combine both mixtures together. Do not overmix. Lumps are okay.

Bake in 8" pan at 200 C for 35 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

Serve warm with butter.

Canadian Pancakes!

Combine in one large bowl:
-250ml flour
-2 Tbsp sugar
-1/2 tsp salt
-1 tsp baking soda
-2 tsp baking powder

In a separate bowl mix:
-1 egg
-250ml milk
-190ml plain yogurt

Mix milk mixture into flour mixture. Add 2 Tbsp vegetable oil. Stir well until combined. You may also need to add some more milk if the batter is too thick.

Fry up over medium heat. You will know when to flip them because little bubbles will appear around the edges of the pancake.

Top with maple syrup, stewed apples, or other fruit of your choice. They are also delicious if you add blueberries, apples and cinnamon, bananas or chocolate chips to the batter before you fry them.