An Easy Taste of Simplicity

This past Sunday, we here at the Simply Mommy's house, had a rare day with nothing on the calendar. I forget how much I cherish these types of days, during the summer when they are few and far between.

While doing my weekly grocery shopping on Saturday, I found strawberries on sale. So I decided to spend a day making jam and bread. So Sunday, I spent the entire day in the kitchen making the most yummy strawberry jam I have ever tasted! And who can have homemade jam without fresh baked bread. So I had to try a new bread recipe and let me tell you...this is the most heavenly combination of delights I've ever had! So, of course, I have to share them here!

Easy Strawberry Jam:

*Makes 6 pints of jam*

1. Bring water to a boil in stock pot. Boil canning jars and lids to sterilize. Place upside down on a towel and let dry.

2. Cut up strawberries and puree in blender. Add to another stock pot or dutch oven, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Simmer about 20 minutes, being sure that mixture comes to a boil.

(steps 1 & 2 can be done at the same time)

3. Place jam into canning jars. Wipe rims clean to get a good seal. Place lids and screw caps on. Place into a stockpot full of boiling water (be sure that there is enough water to reach one inch above the jars). Boil in water bath for 20 minutes. Remove and place on cooling rack. Seals will pop, as the jars seal themselves! To check seal, press down on lid. If it pops up and down, jam is not sealed. If it doesn't move, then it is good to go!

Easy Sandwich Bread:

*makes 3 loaves*

3 cups lukewarm water

1/2 cup, plus 1 teaspoon white sugar

2 tablespoons yeast (or two packets)

1 tablespoon of salt

1/2 cup melted butter (shortening or oil can be substituted)

9 cups flour

In large bowl, mix 1 cup lukewarm water with 1 tsp sugar and yeast. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then stir to dissolve yeast.

Stir in 2 cups lukewarm water, 1/2 cup white sugar, salt, and butter. Add flour one cup at a time, mixing well in between. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for several minutes until dough becomes elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat dough. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and place in a warm area for 1 hour (top of the fridge works well). Once dough has doubled, punch down dough to remove air.

Cut dough into thirds. Place into 3 greased loaf pans. Cover with dish towels and allow to rise until double (about 1 hour). Once doubled, pre-heat oven to 400. Bake for 20 minutes. Bread should turn nice and golden and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans and cool on a cooling rack! Once cooled, they can be wrapped in plastic wrap or put into bread bags!

This is wonderful warm with the fresh strawberry jam!