Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Whole wheat pizza dough offers terrific nutty flavor and thin crust crunch.  It's easy to make, and you can increasingly find it in stores (Read the ingredients to make sure it's truly 100% whole wheat.  Trader Joes sells 100% whole wheat dough.)

Homemade pizza dough is easy and quick - 5 minutes to set it going, and in an hour you've got homemade.

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup medium grind cornmeal (optional - for a nice crunch in the crust)
1 TB wheat gluten (also optional, will help with dough structure)
2 tsp salt
1 TB yeast
2 cups lukewarm water

DIRECTIONS

Place the flour, corn meal if using, gluten if using, salt, yeast, and stir to combine.  I use a whisk for this. Pour in the water and olive oil, and mix a sturdy rubber spatula for a few minutes to create a wet dough.  Let it sit for an hour, go at it with the spatula again, and in another half hour or so it will be ready to use (or store in the fridge for a day or two). After that hour you will notice that the dough takes on a pliable, elastic texture. This is a good time to preheat your oven.

When ready to make pizza, scrape the dough onto a floured surface, and separate into two pieces (or three, if you like smaller pizzas).  Roll each piece out into pizza shape on your floured surface (or twirl if you're brave).  To transfer to a baking sheet, I like to fold the dough over itself in half, then into quarters, transferring to a floured baking sheet, then unfolding again to full size and dressing as you like.  If you have a pizza peel, you also have the option of preparing your pizza on the peel and placing directly on a heated pizza stone in your hot oven.

Recipe:  Tod Dimmick

100% Whole Wheat Bread

Yes, it is possible to make a loaf of 100% whole grain bread with a light crumb, chewy crust, and real flavor.

Total prep time including kneading: about 20 minutes
Unattended time: about 4 hours
Cook time: 25-35 minutes








INGREDIENTS
3 cups whole wheat flour ("white" whole wheat works well)
1/4 cup fun stuff such as flax meal, bran, oatmeal (optional)
2 1/2 TB gluten
2 1/2 TB dried milk powder (optional)
2 tsp salt or to taste
2 1/2 tsp yeast
About 2 cups lukewarm water

DIRECTIONS
Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. I use a whisk for this. Slowly mix the water in to the flour mixture, pausing a few times to incorporate the moisture before continuing (You may not need to use it all). A sturdy spatula is ideal for mixing, and a stand mixer with a bread hook is also great. Stop adding water when you have a thick, pliable dough. Turn dough out onto a countertop and, using a bench scraper, stretch and fold the dough over itself a few times. Cover with the bowl and let rest for an hour. Thereafter, at approximate 45 minute intervals, revisit that dough several times to again stretch and fold the dough over itself a few times. If a few intervals stretch into hours rather than 45 minutes, don't worry.

Then, 90 minutes before the time you want the bread to finish baking, shape the dough into the shape you like, and place on a floured baking tray for its final rise. Cover with a towel. Let rise for 25 minutes, then preheat your oven to 400 and let the dough continue to rise for another 20 minutes while the oven preheats.

Remove the towel, slash the dough as you like, and slide the baking tray into the hot oven. If you have a mister, spritz the dough a few times to assist with creation of a chewy crust. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until rapping on the loaf yields a nice "hollow sounding" thump. Different ovens have different "character." If your oven runs hot, check the bread a little earlier.

Let cool for 10 minutes, if you can wait that long.

Note: Larger volume shapes, like boules, may require longer in the ove

Another Note:  While the approach is simple, there are many variables that will affect exactly how your loaf will look coming out of the oven:  temperature, water:flour ratio, humidity, the kind of wheat, the grind of flour, the proportion of other additives, the time for each rise, etc etc!  So every loaf has a character of its own.  That is part of the fun - I hope. Remember, it will taste great!

Photo and recipe:  Tod Dimmick

Irish Soda Bread

 What makes soda bread so unique?  True Irish soda bread contains no yeast, and is made only with flour, salt, buttermilk, and baking soda (and there are folks with truly passionate views on the subject). But is whole grain soda bread possible?  After several experiments, I arrived at this dense, moist, and satisfying result.  This recipe includes oats, wheat bran, and cream, ingredients that bring its authenticity into question, but I submit that the result pays homage to the soda bread legacy.  For more history and just plain fun, check out the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread.

Prep time:  5 minutes
Cook time:  35 minutes
Yield:  1 large loaf

INGREDIENTS
4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup buttermilk powder*
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups water*
1/4 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS
Preheat your oven to 350F.

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, buttermilk powder, oats, wheat germ, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.  A whisk is the right tool for the job.  With a sturdy spatula, stir in the water and cream to create a thick dough.  Be sure to incorporate all dry material, then stop mixing.

Scrape the mixture into a greased 8x8 baking pan, and bake on the center rack for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve warm with butter.

*If you have buttermilk on hand, use that in place of the buttermilk powder and water

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Bruschetta with Caramelized Onions, Parmesan & Arugula

Crisp, savory toasted bread topped with tender sweet onion and pungent arugula.  Must... stop...  devouring...

Prep time:  5 minutes
Cook time:  15 minutes
Serves:  4-6 as an appetizer









INGREDIENTS

1/2 - 3/4 cup Olive oil (plain or infused)

Two large spring onions, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
8 slices whole wheat (or white) bread, cut into quarters or triangles

1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup coarsely chopped fresh, crisp arugula
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS
Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat on your stove and caute the onion for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While onion is cooking, preheat your broiler.

Remove onion from heat when pieces are translucent and tender.

Place bread on a baking tray, and brush with olive oil.  Broil for 2-3 minutes on the second rack down from the broiler, watching carefully. When crisp on one side, remove the baking tray, flip the bread, brush again, and broil until toasts are crisp.

Remove tray from under broiler, and top each piece of toast with a bit of caramelized onion, and a generous pinch of Parmesan.  Run the tray under the broiler again for 30 seconds, or until cheese begins to melt.  Remove, top each toast with fresh arugula, and give the assembled multitude a quick grind of salt.

Serve with a dry rose wine and a view of the ocean.

Photo and recipe by Tod Dimmick

Stuffing Muffins

This tasty variation on classic stuffing makes great use of leftover bread. Adapted from my recipe for the Phantom Gourmet television show.


Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12-15 muffins

INGREDIENTS
Muffin cups
1 loaf (1 ½ lbs) sliced whole wheat bread
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
6-8 strips bacon
1 small (pool ball size) onion, ¼ inch dice
3 stalks celery, ¼ inch dice
1 apple, cored, ¼ inch dice
2 eggs, whisked
1-2 cups chicken stock
½ cup chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS
Preheat your oven to 350F. Line a muffin pan with muffin cups, or spray with cooking spray. Cut the loaf of bread into cubes about ½” across. Place bread cubes in a large bowl, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Now cook the bacon until crisp in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove bacon strips to paper towels, pour off excess fat, and cook the onions and celery in the remaining bacon fat for 4 minutes, stirring. Add the apple and cook for another minute. Turn off heat in skillet, scrape mixture into the bowl of bread cubes, and stir. Add the eggs, 1 cup of chicken stock, the parsley, and the bacon, and stir gently to spread the moisture throughout. The mixture should be moist enough to cling together when squeezed with light pressure between your hands. If necessary, add a little more broth. Using your hands collect a baseball-size sphere of stuffing mixture, squeeze slightly so that it clings together, and place in a muffin cup. Make sure that this is the muffin shape you want, because these muffins won’t rise as they cook. Repeat until mixture is used up and other muffin cups are full (if you have extra stuffing mixture, make a few more muffins or a small loaf).

Slide muffin pan into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until muffins are crisp on the outside.

Serve as a side dish with your favorite oven baked meal. Roast fowl are a natural.

Variations: Add raisins, chopped apricots, toasted nuts, and other fun things to Stuffing Muffins.

Served up by Tod Dimmick

Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick










Simple to make, and boy are these tasty.  This shot is from the Christmas Market in Wiesbaden, Germany (2012), where  "Kartoffelpuffer mit Apfelmus" (with applesauce) is very popular.  For atmosphere, the photo at the bottom is of the market itself.

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  25 minutes
Yield:  10-12 pancakes

INGREDIENTS
3 medium organic potatoes, to yield about 2 cups when shredded
1 onion, about 2" in diameter
2 eggs
1/4 to 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
Canola oil for frying

DIRECTIONS
Using a food processor with the coarse shredding wheel, shred the potatoes and the onion. Remove as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes.  A colander with narrow openings is perfect for this.  Scrape the shredded potatoes into a colander in the sink, and let them sit for a few minutes.  Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl, preheat a skillet with a few tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat.

Press the potatoes against the sides to expel the water.  Scrape the potatoes into the mixing bowl, add the flour and the salt, and mix.  Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture into the skillet, and press into pancake shape.  Repeat to fill the skillet with pancakes, ensuring that they do not touch.  Cook without moving for 4 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.  Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until potatoes are soft all the way through, and pancakes are nicely crisp on the outside.

Serve hot with applesauce.  Or with sour cream.  Or, yes, with ketchup (not authentic, but tasty). 

Tip:  The coarse shredding wheel creates a rustic pancake.  The fine shredding wheel, or a box grater, enables a more finely grained result. 

Applesauce Bran Muffins

Apple season enables a million delicious recipes, starting with these.  Eat them warm, with butter.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
12Yield:  muffins

INGREDIENTS
2 eggs, whisked
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup yogurt
¼ cup olive oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups wheat bran
1/2 cup sugar or equivalent* (*Stevia works well, read the fine print on your package for the amount that will be equivalent to the sugar)
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon apple pie spice (or a mixture of cinnamon and your favorite baking spices)
pinch salt
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 400F.

Whisk the eggs in a large bowl.  Add the applesauce, milk, yogurt, and the olive oil, and whisk again. Set aside.

In another bowl mix the flour, bran, sweetener, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.

Stir the liquids into the dry ingredients until just blended into a thick dough. Then stir in the pecans and the raisins. Using a rubber spatula, scrape muffin batter into a muffin pan (I use two small rubber spatulas, and line the muffin pan with paper muffin cups for easy cleanup). Add just enough batter to fill a muffin cup level.  Bake for 17 minutes, or until just firm.

Don't overcook whole grain muffins (they'll dry out).

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Scallion, Zucchini & Arugula Egg Sandwich

No recipe, this is just for visual appeal.

Arugula Carbonara

Crisp, flavorful arugula dances on the palate with creamy, nutty whole wheat pasta and sweet, tender crisp peppers. 


Prep time:  15 minutes
Cook time:  15 minutes
Serves:  6+







INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound ground sausage meat (optional)
1 large sweet pepper, cut into 1/2" chunks (about 1 cup)
1 pound whole wheat pasta, your favorite shape
2 eggs
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh arugula
Olive oil for drizzling
Salt
Pepper


DIRECTIONS
Heat water for the pasta in a large pot.  While water is heating, heat a large saute pan over medium heat and cook the sausage, stirring, for 4 minutes.  Add the sweet pepper and continue cooking until the sausage is done and the pepper chunks are tender crisp, roughly another 4 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Cook the pasta as you like it.
While pasta is cooking, whisk the eggs in a small bowl.

When pasta is done, drain it in a colander, quickly return hot pasta to the pot, and toss with the eggs (the eggs will cook), then with the Parmesan, and then mix in the sausage and pepper mix from the saute pan, and the fresh arugula.

Serve, drizzling with a bit of good olive oil, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.  This dish will pair well with a dry red wine - Cotes du Rhone, or even Chianti, would be a natural.

Variations:  to prepare without the sausage, cook the peppers until tender crisp in olive oil, and complete the rest of the recipe as above.

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Rhubarb Muffins

Rhubarb sauce lends these muffins a moist, springy texture and tangy flavor.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield:  12 muffins

INGREDIENTS
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup wheat bran
Stevia or equivalent, and honey*
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1 cup rhubarb sauce
1 cup milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup olive or canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
the zest from one lemon

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400.
Whisk the flour, bran, sweetener, baking soda, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs .  Add the rhubarb sauce, milk, orange juice, oil, vanilla, and lemon zest, and whisk thoroughly. Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture and stir to create a thick batter.

Distribute batter equally to lined muffin cups, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until muffins are firm and a toothpick inserted into the biggest one comes out clean.  These can be served warm, or will keep in the fridge for several days.

*Because of the many health concerns associated with refined sweeteners like sugar, my ultimate objective is to offer recipes that contain none of the stuff.  This goal presents challenges.  Sugar alternatives include chemical sweeteners (which I do not recommend), and plant based sweeteners like stevia.  I like stevia, but the myriad options all have varying "sweetness". That creates another problem, because accessible recipes need a common, easily obtainable standard, and varying amounts of a sweetener affect the liquid/dry balance.  Stevia also has a flavor that some people don't like when used exclusively as a sweetener. This is an evolving issue. At the moment, I like a balanced mixture of stevia and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Photo and recipe by Tod Dimmick

Vegetable Stew with Greens and Carrots

On the day I made this hearty soup, the high temperature was 4 degrees.  This hearty bowl of goodness proved equal to the task.

Prep time:  15 minutes
Cook time:  30 minutes
Serves:  6-8

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups brassica greens, coarsely chopped (kale, young broccoli leaves, cabbage, etc)
8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups tomato sauce
4 carrots shredded with a mandolin, yielding about 2 cups.
1 cup uncooked pasta, your favorite
1/2 cup whole wheat cous cous, dry
2 packed cups fresh baby spinach leaves
3 tablespoons sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Saute greens and set aside.

Heat stock and tomato sauce to a simmer.  Add the carrots and simmer 5 minutes.  Add the pasta, and simmer 7 minutes or until beginning to soften.  Add cous cous and cook another 3 inutes, stirring.  Add the spinach, stir and cook for a minute, or until pasta and cous cous are done.

Serve with garlic toasts.

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Carbonara with tomatoes, chives, & bacon

A simple, hearty dish that makes good use of fresh veggies.

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  20-25 minutes
Serves:   6 at least

INGREDIENTS
1 lb whole grain pasta (your favorite shape)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chives, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
2 eggs, whisked
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt
Pepper

DIRECTIONS
Start water heating for the pasta.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon, and slice the tomatoes and chives.

Cook the pasta.  When it is al dente, reserve a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest in a colander.  Return the pasta to the cooking pot .  Add the eggs and Parmesan and stir (the hot pasta will cook the eggs).  Stir in some of the reserved pasta water and stir.  You will notice that the water will disappear.  Stir in a little at a time until a creamy sauce appears in the bottom of the pot.  Now stir in the tomatoes, chives and bacon. 

Serve, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and all is right with the world.  Don't skimp on the freshly ground black pepper.

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Zucchini Bran Muffins

Aside from the occasional hint of bright green in these moist, delicious muffins, you would never guess the secret ingredient.

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Yield:  A dozen or so muffins

INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups wheat bran
3 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
zest from one lemon (optional)
pinch salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup apple juice
4 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup shredded zucchini

DIRECTIONS
Preheat your oven to 400.

While the oven is heating, in a mixing bowl whisk the flour, bran, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.  In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, then whisk in the apple juice, canola oil, and vanilla.  Pour the egg mixture in to the flour mixture, add the shredded zucchini, and stir to just combine.  If batter is too dry, stir in a bit more juice.

Spoon batter into muffin cups, generously filling each cup.  Slide muffin tray in to the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes or until muffins are done.

What a breakfast.


Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Kale & Caramelized Onion Egg Sandwich

Every egg sandwich should be a candidate for The Perfect Egg Sandwich.  It's a quest, sort of like for the holy grail, except better, because this grail is found again and again. 

Prep time:  5 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Yield:  one sandwich

INGREDIENTS
olive oil
A few thick slices of onion
A handful (say, 1 1/2 cups) coarsely chopped kale
one large fresh egg
one slice sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
two thick slices whole wheat bread
salt
pepper

DIRECTIONS
Saute the onion in olive oil over medium low heat for 5 minutes, turning once.  Remove to a plate, then saute the kale for 3-4 minutes or until bright green and just softening.  Remove to that plate.  Put your toast in the toaster while you fry your egg over easy (fry for approximately 4 minutes, turning when white is mostly set).  Top with cheese when you flip that egg, if you like cheese on your sandwich.  Cook for another minute, then assemble your sandwich, drizzling olive oil from the skillet over the toast.

Season with salt and pepper.

Devour, washing it down with strong black coffee.


Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

“A box without hinges, key, or lid,
Yet golden treasure inside is hid.” 

-J.R.R. Tolkein, from The Hobbit

Radish Fritters!

This is one of those "are you kidding me" recipes.  But try this indulgent take on the quintessential spring orb, and you'll be back for seconds.









Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  5-6 Minutes
Serves:  4 as a side dish

INGREDIENTS
1 bunch radishes (about 1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded)
2 eggs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground thyme
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
3-4 TB canola oil for cooking
sour cream for topping (optional)

DIRECTIONS
In a food processor equipped with the shredding disk, shred the radishes.  Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, and stir in the shredded radishes, Parmesan, flour, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.  The mixture should cling together with the consistency of a very thick batter or a dough.  If necessary, add a little more flour.

Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat and scoop spoonfuls of the radish mixture into the hot oil, flattening a little with the back of your spoon.  Cook for 3 minutes, turn with a spatula, and cook for another 3 minutes, or until crisp.

Top with sour cream if you like, and enjoy this entertaining episode from the Radish Channel.

Photo & Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Penne with Tomatoes, Arugula, & Sour Cream

Another entry in the "Mac and Cheese for Adults" category.  Fast, indulgent, and tasty.  

Prep time:  5 minutes
Cook time:  15 minutes
Serves: 4-6, depending on how ravenous your guests are

INGREDIENTS
1 pound whole wheat penne
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic scapes, minced, or 2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
2 cups fresh arugula, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon capers
salt to taste

DIRECTIONS
Cook your pasta per package directions.

While pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly tanned.  Remove from heat.

Slice the tomatoes, and rinse and dry the arugula.

Drain cooked pasta, return to its cooking pot, and stir in the garlic, tomatoes, arugula, sour cream and black pepper.  Distribute to serving plates, topping with feta cheese and sprinkling with capers and salt.

A dry rosé wine alongside would complete the picture.

Photo and recipe by Tod Dimmick

Shortcake

I adapted this recipe from the recipe for Cream Biscuits in the immortal Marion Cunningham's Fannie Farmer Cookbook.  These are melt in your mouth rich, with the warm nutty taste of whole grain.  I suspect you'll find it a challenge not to eat them right away, but resist the urge.  They are even better in strawberry shortcake.

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  15 minutes
Yield:  12 biscuits

INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole wheat flour (I used "white" whole wheat)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
6 tablespoons butter, melted

DIRECTIONS
Preheat your oven to 400 on convection, 425 on regular bake.  In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.  Now take up a mixing spoon or rubber spatula and gradually stir in 1 cup of the heavy cream.  If the dough holds together, you can stop adding cream, but if it's still crumbly, add more until the dough holds together as a soft mass.

Scrape the dough onto a floured surface, fold it over itself several times, then flatten into a rough square about 1/2 inch thick.  Cut into 12 pieces.  Dip each piece into the melted butter and place on a baking tray, leaving 2 inches between each piece.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until biscuits are crisp and beginning to tan on the outside.

Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread

Photo and Recipe: Tod Dimmick









This bread is so good I really wonder why I only make it on St. Patrick's Day.  The cabbage leaf wrapping was half humor and half curiosity about the effect of the moisture trapped between the crust and the roasting leaves.  The effect was delicious texture and lots of "oohs and aahs".

INGREDIENTS
4 cups whole wheat flour ("white" whole wheat works well)
1/3 cup oatmeal
3 TB gluten
3 TB sugar or equivalent
1 TB salt
2 1/2 tsp yeast
2 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp baking soda
About 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 TB plain yogurt (optional)
3/4 cup raisins or currants

DIRECTIONS
Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. I use a whisk for this.  Heat the buttermilk to just above room temperature, and stir in the yogurt (if using) and . Slowly mix the milk in to the flour mixture to create a thick, pliable dough. A sturdy spatula is ideal for mixing, and a stand mixer with a bread hook is also great. Turn dough out onto a countertop and, using a bench scraper, stretch and fold the dough over itself a few times. Cover with the bowl and let rest for an hour. Thereafter, at approximate 45 minute intervals, revisit that dough several times to again stretch and fold the dough over itself 3-4 times. If a few intervals stretch into hours rather than 45 minutes, don't worry.

Then, 90 minutes before the time you want the bread to finish baking, shape the dough into the shape you like, and place on a floured baking tray for its final rise. Sprinkle with flour, and cover with a towel.  Alternatively,  roll this dough in flour and place in a loaf pan (or split into two chunks and divide between two smaller loaf pans).  Let rise for 25 minutes, then preheat your oven to 400 and let the dough continue to rise for another 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats.

Remove the towel, slash the dough as you like, and slide the baking tray into the hot oven. If you have a mister, spritz the dough a few times to assist with creation of a chewy crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until rapping on the loaf with your fingertips yields a nice "hollow sounding" thump. Let cool for 10 minutes, if you can wait that long.

Leek and Potato Chowder

Hearty, chunky leek chowder pairs well with inclement weather.  This recipe takes inspiration from the immortal Marion Cunningham, although I made several changes.

Prep time:  20 minutes
Cook time:  45 minutes
Serves: 8-10

INGREDIENTS
6 tablespoons butter, separated
4 cups thinly sliced (1/8 inch) leeks, white and light green parts
2 cups thinly sliced (1/8 inch) celery (about 2 stocks) including leaves
5-6 cups chicken stock
2 1/2 cups potatoes, 1/4 inch dice*
1 teaspoon thyme
4 tablespoons whole wheat (or white) flour
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
Heat 3 tablespoons of the butter in a stock pot over medium heat and saute the leeks and celery for 10 minutes, stirring.  Add 2 cups of stock and cook, covered, for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the diced potatoes and 2 more cups stock.  The potatoes should be just about covered. If not, add more stock.  Add the thyme.  Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat.  Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, as the roux bubbles and smooths.  A few tablespoons at a time, add hot stock from the soup to the roux, stirring or whisking constantly.  It will bubble and thicken.  Do this several times, then pour this flour mixture into your chowder, along with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for a a minute or two, stirring, as it thickens.

Serve hot, with crusty bread and a glass of Beaujolais, and laugh at the storm.

*If your potatoes are organic, leave the peels on for flavor, nutrition, and texture.  Just scrub 'em and use 'em

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick

Whole Grain Blueberry-Flax Cornbread

Delicious with dinner, or breakfast.  This version doesn't use much sugar (you could add more).

Prep time: 10 Minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups cornmeal (I used medium grind)

1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour

2 tablespoons flax meal

2 tablespoons sugar or equivalent (I used stevia extract)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 ½ cups milk

¼ cup canola oil

1 cup blueberries

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 425F. In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, flax meal, sweetener, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then whisk in the milk and canola oil.

Pour the egg mixture over the corn meal mixture and stir to combine into a thick batter. Stir in blueberries until just mixed. 

Scrape batter into an oiled 9x9 baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Frozen blueberries work fine, but the baking will more like 25-30 minutes).

Serve warm with butter.

Photo and Recipe by Tod Dimmick