A Compromise

I have not been motivated to try to make sourdough bread again yet.  Between the enormity of my previous failure and the reality that I know my kids aren’t going to like it, I have been searching for an alternative.  I think I have found something that works for my family, both health wise and taste wise; a fine compromise.  The recipe is from Nourishing Traditions of course, and here it is:
12 to 24 hours before you want to start your breadmaking process, mix four cups whole grain flour (I used spelt) with 1 to 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (I used 1 1/2 cups) along with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter.  I used my stand mixer to knead this just a little, until it formed a ball and then I set it in a bowl, covered it, and let it sit overnight.  You want to let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. 
When you are ready to start your bread move the ball of dough back to the mixing bowl.  Then mix 1/4 cup warm water with 2 tsp instant yeast (or one packet dry yeast) and 2 Tbsp. honey or sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes.  Then add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda to the yeast mixture and mix well.  Add the yeast mixture to the dough in addition to 1 cup unbleached white flour and knead until you have a smooth ball.  This dough is very soft and stretchy and wonderful. Move the ball to a greased bowl and let it rise about two hours or until doubled.  Then punch down , form into loaves, place in greased bread pans and let rise until doubled again.  I then placed my bread in a cold oven, set it to 350 and baked for 40 minutes.  The finished product is very light and spongy.  We all loved it.  I love it because by starting the dough the night before I feel like I have a head start on my baking and that really gives me a lot of momentum the next day. 

She loves to use her little pointer finger.  If she really wants something, she points with both hands.  Typically if she is giving the double point, she is pointing at me.  I’ve never had a baby do that, point at me when she wants me to hold or nurse her.  It’s pretty dang cute.