Sick Days

Grace, Emily and Benjamin have colds and awful coughs. Their eyes are watery and their noses are red. Today, they camped out in the livingroom and we watched "The Secret Garden" and "Little Women."

This afternoon, I bribed talked them into taking naps and then I got busy in the kitchen. I made two loaves of my very favorite bread.



Amish White Bread

2 cups warm water (110F)
2/3 cups white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups white flour

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, add yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam, about 10 minutes.

2. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Work in 6 cups of flour. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in well oiled bowl, and turn once to coat the entire surface of the dough with oil. Cover with a clean damp cotton cloth. Allow dough to rise until double in size. (Mine took about an hour).

3. Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into well oiled 9x5 loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.

4. Bake in a 350F oven for 30 minutes. When you thump the top of the bread it should sound hollow.

For a buttery crust, brush hot loaves with butter. Cool on a rack and enjoy!




Chocolate chip cookies help anyone feel better right? :0)



I also made a pot of chicken noodle soup for dinner. I added onion, fresh garlic and parsley.



They have been sleeping since 7:30 p.m so I'm praying after a good night's rest they will feel better. Please say a prayer for them tonight.