Rye Bread
There a few things that intimidate me when it comes to cooking, I think my biggest intimidation comes from pastries. I mean the real pastries not the ones sold in most Nairobi eateries as meat pies yet they sugarless mandazi dough stuffed with meat uuuuuurrrrggghhhhh!! Quite annoying. I mean the pastries that melt in your mouth because they are so buttery, you the ones that when you take a bite then have a look at the pastry you see layers and layers and lots of tinny soft yet crunchy layers of dough. You know the pastry that makes you sin in your mind when you just think of the things it will do to your hips later but you honestly don’y give a hoot coz you know what it is doing to your mouth right now?? You know that kid of pastry right? now those make me soooo nervous to make because 1 batch of just the pastry can take you even 3 or 4 hours to make. The process is hard and tedious, it’s heat sensitive, even the temperature of your hands can mess things up dear Lord!! so when you pay 300 for a good pie understand how much work was put in.
Now this was the same notion I had about making bread, that it was this long tedious process that could easily backfire. The 1st time I made bread it was super easy I couldn’t believe it then a few times after that, my experience with yeast was not so great but I believe the problem was with the yeast. So last year my girl Fresh of Just Fresh showed me how to make sure my yeast rises by adding warm water and sugar to it then letting it stand for a while till frothy. I use that method often but not as much any more as I have also learnt that the yeast we have in our supermarkets can rise if you put the warm liquid and sugar in the dough as you knead.
Making bread is so easy, easier than chapati so do not be scared. after you knead the work is done. I had this bread with calamari on the night I made it, used it to dip in garlic sweet chilli olive oil…. it was heaven I tell you. The freshness of the bread combined with the hotness and subtle sweetness of the olive oil was so exciting to my taste buds, I’m telling you they jumped up and down in excitement.
The next morning I served it with sweet chilli sausages……. more heaven. This bread is not only tasty but rye is good for you to so go on……. GO BAKE YOURSELF!! HAPPY BAKING!!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (you can use margarine)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110 degrees F) (you can use water)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup rye flour (available at Healthy U)
- 2 1/2 cups bleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (Found in Nakumatt when I do not have I use rosemary but this changes the taste)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
Mix the yeast,honey , melted butter, egg, and milk in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Beat on low speed for 1 minute.
Mix in the salt, rye flour, all-purpose flour, and caraway seeds. Mix on low speed until all of the flour is fully incorporated. Change to medium speed until the mixture forms a ball, doesn't stick to the sides of the bowl and climbs up the dough hook. Remove the dough from the bowl.
Roll the dough into a ball. Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in the bowl, turning it around to ensure its oiled all over. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. Sometimes if I am in a rush I switch on the oven for about 4 mins then switch it off and place the dough in it to shorten the time
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and lightly grease a baking sheet.
Remove the dough from the bowl and place onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough gently a few times. Tuck and roll so that any seams disappear into the dough and place in the prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg lightly over the top of the dough. Bake until lightly brown, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.
https://www.themothershipvillage.com/rye-bread/The Chill ‘N Grill 1st Edition held Nov 2nd 2014
You know there are times when you sit down and think of doing something then the idea seems so far fetched and unachievable but the more you think of it the more excited you get about this seemingly unachievable idea, well this was me and The Chill ‘N Grill. From the time my mama told me to do a Koroga, almost 2 years ago, to this year when I actually started working on it the idea has metamorphosed from just a Koroga into a korga/self bbq with food and farmers market.
The last month into planning this event was stressful, so many times I asked my self WTH I got my self into but ooooh boy was it worth it. I got such overwhelming support from friends and family and even more support from people who follow my blog or are part of my Facebook Nairobi Foodies Club or even total strangers. We had a good crowd who all had fun and each group brought me to tears each time I asked them if they liked the afternoon and each and every one of them said they LOVED it!! and despite the small things that they thought need improving they all wanted me to hold one in December (NOT POSSIBLE 🙂 I love you all and God bless you for all your support.
Thank you to my sponsors and supporters, EABL, DSTV Kenya, Chefs-on-legs, Wanderjoy Party World and Kenchic, Pukka Kenya Photographers , CooksWell Jikos and all the vendors (Mr. Donut, Just Fresh, Anzu Artisan Ice pops, amongst others for believing in me when most people did not
Below is the day in picture. Next event will be held in early February be on the look out
kisses
Remember next one is in early February so keep checking!!
The Chill ‘N Grill
What is better for a food lover than a foodie event? I have been thinking of this event event for 2 years and now its finally here!!! If you love food this is the place to be I tell you. If your a foodie I GOT YOU!!
So this is how this exciting gig will work
Once you pay the entrance charge if you are a group of 10 people or more you get a jiko or a grill and if you are a group of over 15 you can get both a jiko and a grill. There are only a limited number of jikos so booking is essential.
There will be a farmers market and food market selling food items such as homemade jams, pickles, chocolates etc. and a butcher too selling all your best cuts. It will be an interactive afternoon with good food, good music, good times and great relationships.
There Kiddos will also be taken care of in the children’s park that will have 3 bouncing castles (a rock climbing one, a slid and kiddie pool and a normal one), a star jump, trampoline and boat ride as well as a camel ( camel ride to be paid for) and not forgetting a face painter. What more could the tots ask for??
Please note that you are allowed to bring your own grill. If this is done you will be given a complementary packet of sausages to grill. Cool right??
There will also be a bar selling chilled beer and your favorite cocktails as well as shisha bar.
Come grill up, cook up, drink up and shop up while the kids play up!!
Advanced Tickets going for 1000/= buy 5 get 1 free
Tickets available: ticketsasa.com
Lipa na Mpesa Till number: 906997
For more info call 0712317349
For a Chance to win comment with what recipe from African Kaya or your own recipe you can use at the Chill ‘N Grill. I will be giving out 2 Tickets daily from today till 1st Nov.
See you there
