Living the Simple Life

Thursday evening ramblings

It’s been another busy spring day here; I go the tilling done ahead of the rain that is coming in over the next couple of days. The rows of plants all up far enough now that I can tell where I am supposed to be tilling and where to stay out of, so I thought I might as well get a jump on the weeds while I could. I can’t wait for the first fresh batch of veggies out of the garden they always seem to taste the best!

We are having hamburgers on the grill for supper tonight with the mushrooms Jeff, my husband found last night in the timber. So I made up some homemade hamburger buns, to go along with; one of our favorites;

Bacon Buns
Makes 10 - 12 buns.

Ingredients

 milk 1 c

water 1/2 c 
bacon fat 1/4 c
whole-wheat flour 1 c
all-purpose flour 3 1/2 c
instant yeast 1 1/2 tsp
sugar 2 tbsp
salt 1/2 tsp
egg 1 large

Heat the milk, bacon fat, and water in a small saucepan until about 110F.

Mix together 2 cups flour, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. Mix in milk mixture, followed by the egg.

Add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time — switching to the dough hook after adding a cup and a half of flour. Knead for 8 minutes then turn out on a floured board and knead 2 or 3 minutes longer if required. Shape dough into a roll and allow to rest for about 10 minutes.

Divide dough into 10 equal pieces. Form each piece into a round shape and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Spritz buns with a light coating of oil and cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until slightly more than doubled in bulk (it took an hour and a half for this batch).

While the buns are rising, heat the oven to 400F and position a rack in the middle of the oven.

Bake for 8 minutes, then rotate baking sheet 180 degrees. Bake another 2 to 4 minutes until golden brown.

Have a wonderful evening!