I always wanted to have a home where everything was freshly made;where I knew exactly what went into my ingredients. Where I would wake up and start a batch of dough to rise while I went out to the garden to pick what I would use for the day. Yeah, I'm a little delusional, I guess. I'd still like to make this happen even if I only grow a small herb garden. Due to financial and availability reasons,fresh ingredients aren't as readily available. During college, I went through various stages of "culinary whiplash". Every other quarter, I would have a lab classes and I would stop buying groceries because I was eating in class and bringing food home. It's weird going from tasting foie gras, truffles, and lobster bisque to ramen noodles and the occasional takeout. During my last two years, I've tried to introduce more of my culinary techniques at home, but it's a bit challenging when you have limited space and limited pots and pans. It was quite restraining being in my own kitchen. Every now and then, i'll pick up a shark steak or whole duck to play with,but i've mostly stuck with the basics. Canned stock and frozen vegetables have become part of my repertoire, but I manage to sneak in the occasional loaf of bread.
Matcha-Apple Loaf
1 C.warm water (110° to 115° F)
1 Tbs. matcha powder
1 packet (0.25 oz) instant yeast
2-3 C. all purpose flour + extra for dusting*
1/2 C. powdered milk
4 Tbs. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 small apple,peeled and chopped
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix water and matcha.
- Add yeast and 1 cup of flour and throughly combine. Set aside in a warm place for 15-20 minutes.
- Add powdered milk,3 Tbs.sugar, salt, nutmeg, 1 tsp. cinnamon and last cup of flour to the matcha mixture. Mix until it comes together in a ball.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth(about 5 minutes). Place into a lightly oiled bowl and cover. Set aside in a warm place to rise for 1 1/2 hours.
- Mix chopped apples,1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Punch down dough and mix in apple mixture.(It's easier to mix in a small amount of apples at a time)
- Shape into your desired shape and let proof in a warm area for 30 minutes.
- Bake in a 400° F oven for 25-30 minutes.(Bread is done when you knock on the bottom and it sounds hollow)
