Day 308 - English Muffin Bread

I've been thinking about a particular friend lately and called to wish her a Happy Birthday today.
We were best friends our senior year of high school and have some pretty incredible memories.
We kept in touch through college, she in the southern part of the state and I up north, and remained close, participating in each other's wedding, too.
I know this was mean, but it still brings a smile to my face each time I think about it.
I was standing in the back of the church just before the music started for our walk down the aisle, and Christine was standing on the stairs a few steps above me.
"Christine, I can't do this.  I can't go through with it."
The poor girl, her eyes became really wide, and she had this look of horror on her face.
"What?!  What do you mean you can't do it??!!"
I gave it about 30 seconds, but couldn't hold out a whole minute.
I just couldn't bring myself to go that far, but after all, I had taken theater in high school and college and really wanted to milk it for whatever it was worth.
I know, I'm so mean.  But Christine took it hook, line and sinker as did some of my other bridesmaids.  They faced me with a look of panic.
A huge smile came across my face, "I'm kidding!  Start walking down that aisle!"
After the initial shock wore off the girls began smiling, grateful that a crisis had been averted and began walking down the aisle.
I love those ladies and was very happy to reconnect with Christine and laugh like I haven't laughed in a while.
Friendships such as this are definitely cherished!

I first made this recipe when I was in high school and absolutely fell in love with it!
Then I started making extra loaves, and gave them to friends as gifts.
It is so yummy!!
Except the last time I made it which was more than a year ago (obviously) it didn't turn out like I remembered it.  It kind of stunk actually and I have no idea where it went wrong.
I just took this one out of the oven and I am sure hoping that it turned out in a good way.
It sure does smell delicious!
I had found it in a magazine and think it was from Fleischmann's.

English Muffin Bread - makes 2 loaves

6 cups flour, divided
2 packages of active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups milk
1/2 cup water
butter and cornmeal

Prepare two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans by greasing them with butter and covered with cornmeal; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, salt and baking soda together.
In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, warm up milk and water to very warm, between 120 - 130 degrees F.
Add to flour mixture and thoroughly combine.

Change paddle attachment to dough hook and gradually add remaining 3 cups of flour.  Trust me on this.

Divide dough in half and place each into the prepared loaf pans.
Cover pans with a towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 1/2 hours.  (I turn my oven on to 170 degrees F., turn it off and place the pans into the oven to rise.)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place pans in oven and bake for 25 minutes.
Immediately remove loaves from pan and place on a wire rack to cool.
Slice one of those loaves up, pop the slices into the toaster and serve it up with butter and jam!
Yummy deliciousness!!

Yay!!!  I have to say that it turned out just like it did when I made it in high school!
Funny how some things you just can't forget, hunh?
I rate everything I bake on a scale of 1-4 with 4 being the best and this English Muffin  Bread earned 3 1/2 rolling pins!
It may not have been as good as a Thomas' English Muffin with all of the nooks and crannies, but it did have a few nooks that the butter and jelly sunk into.
I am SO excited to have this tomorrow morning!!
Aw heck, why wait?
I'm going to toast me up a piece now!

I give you all BIG baking hugs and muffins!!