Pantry Dinner

This is one of those time that I am really grateful that I have a "usable" pantry.
So it is basically Minestrone Soup...hamburger, beans, tomatoes, onions, celery,noodles and little veggie broth to help with moisture. I let it simmer for about 3 hours before adding the noodles in the last 12 mins. Kirk loves home made bread... with this recipe it is pretty easy to keep it in the house.

I found this recipe in the book Recipes from the Heart by the Paul Congregational Church in Paul, Idaho. I would have to admit that my favorite recipe books are church recipes books that are gathered from the members. Paul Congregational has a high German membership and is very obvious when looking at the recipes.

BUT... this white bread...I will admit I like even better than Betty's.

Perfect White Bread

submitted by Peggy Moore

1 pkg. active dry yeast 2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup warm water 1 T. shortening

2 cups milk scalded 5-3/4 to 6 1/4 all purpose flour

2 T sugar

Soften active dry yeast in warm water. Combine hot milk, sugar, salt and shortening. Cool to luke warm. Stir in 2 cups of flour beat well. Add the softened yeast; mix. Add enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough. Turn our on lightly floured surface; kneed until smooth and satiny (8-10 mins) Shape in a ball; place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface. Cover; let rise in a warm place and it about doubles (1 1/2 hours). Punch down. Cut dough in 2 portions. Shape in loaves place in greased 9X5X3 pans. Cover and let raise (45 - 60 mins) Bake in hot oven 35 mins or until done. Makes 2 large loaves.

I use my kitchen aid....after adding all the ingredients I use the bread paddle and let it "kneed" for about 8 to 10 mins, cover with a towel

When it has doubled in size I take 1/2 of the portion and shape into a loaf and place in bread pan to raise and then bake....

Pretty good white bread....if I do say so myself.