Last Updated on February 15, 2025 by Lisa Keys
Following my emotional visit to CT two weeks ago I went into full on kitchen therapy inspired by what was in the garden. I made jams, pickles, and everything tomato and zucchini. There were cakes and this sunny golden milk bread.
As it often does, grief relief finally came in a vivid dream. In my slumber I am walking up the driveway to retrieve the morning mail. Waiting at the box, in the golden sun-light, is William. I say, "What are you doing here?" He replies, "I just want to make sure you know I am still here." Whoosh! I am sure a psychiatrist would have a fun-filled day with my brain, but these dreams are so much better than any happy pills one could prescribe.
I will be missing in action from time to time over the next few months. First and foremost, I am super busy having too much fun with these two. Oh, the miracle of life! I did not know my heart could get any bigger, but there certainly is a new chamber filled with love and awe. Besides, Annabelle loves hanging out in my kitchen. Imagine that! I am pretty sure she loves the smell of fresh baked cookies and garlic.
Second, the test kitchen has officially opened for preparation for the World Food Championships which takes place in November. Once again I am competing in the sandwich category and being sponsored by the fabulous Saucy Mama. Suzy Barhyte is the creative mind behind the delicious sauces, dressings and mustards that I will be incorporating into my sandwiches. Like Suzy's my recipes must be family approved.
I am especially grateful to have Caitlin assist me in sandwich development. She has an incredible palate. The Cubano has been built and now on to my signature dish. Hopefully I do myself, my family and Saucy Mama proud in the competition.
With my game face on I won't be blogging as much. To keep you occupied I challenge your creativity in the kitchen with this fantastic baking opportunity. The National Festival of Breads is one of the best bake-offs I have ever been privileged to win. Not only will you bake with the best products on the market, but you will learn so much about the wheat industry and the farmers who feed us and the world. Support them. Be inspired by those you love and bake some bread.
The National Festival of Breads is included in the list of best cooking competitions by Delish! Go to www.nationalfestivalofbreads.com for rules and prizes. The contest is ponsored by King Arthur Flour Red Star Yeast & Kansas Wheat.
Golden Milk Bread
Ingredients
- 4¼ cups (18 oz./510 gm) King Arthur Unbleached Bread Flour
- 1 (¼ oz/21 gm) package Red Star Platinum Yeast
- 1¼ cups milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 (25 cent size) pieces of fresh peeled ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup golden raisins
Instructions
- In stand mixer bowl, fitted with paddle, combine 4 cups of flour and yeast.
- In small saucepan, over medium low heat, combine milk, butter, maple syrup, salt, fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and pepper; bring just to a simmer, stirring.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 15 to 20 minutes or until milk mixture registers 115F. on an instant read thermometer. Remove large pieces of ginger and discard.
- Pour milk mixture into flour mixture; mix on low speed until flour is fully incorporated.
- Remove paddle and replace with dough hook. Knead dough on low speed for 5 to 6 minutes adding additional ¼ cup flour if it seems too sticky.
- Add raisins to dough during last 2 minutes of kneading time.
- Transfer dough to a buttered bowl, cover and let rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Press down dough, divide in half and shape each piece to fit a lightly greased 9-inch loaf pan. Place dough in pans; cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Heat oven 400F.
- Make 3 slash marks diagonally across each loaf. Bake loaves for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature registers 200F on an instant read thermometer.
- Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
patrice
I've read that's how our dearly departed visit us - in our dreams. I've had many, many visits that way ... and I always wish I could go back to sleep for more! (And I'll go toe-to-toe with any psychiatrist who dares to differ! 👼)
Your golden bread looks so good ... can't wait for Fall so my AC doesn't have to compete with my oven. Thanks, Ms Champion Baker ❤️
Lisa
I know you will bake up a winning bread and may you continue to have visits in your dreams with those you love.
cookinformyboys
You bread may look beautiful but those two women in your life sure take the cake in spectacular!!! I'm so happy for you!
Lisa
Oh yes, my girls are 100% sweetness and light. The bread, however, does have some nice anti-inflammatory ingredients that help boost immunity.
athomewrebecka
I just love your posts Lisa! Your process of healing is exemplified in your words and food. Thank you for continuing to share your heart and wonderful recipes.
Lisa
Always glad to have you here and sharing your love.
Danielle
Gorgeous picture of your two girls!!! I know Saucy mama will be well represented by your dishes! Maybe I will challenge myself with bread! Sending you love, hugs, and lots of delicious sandwich making 🙂
Lisa
Hello Danielle....kneading bread is very therapeutic not to mention delicious. I know you will come up with a winning recipe.
Breanna
What a lovely loaf! The flavor of the turmeric isn’t overpowering, a nice subtle flavor. Beautiful color, very soft texture, holds up very well for sandwiches even when sliced quite thin. This loaf will definitely be in heavy rotation in our home!!
Lisa Keys
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I am so glad you liked my recipe and took the time to write. I really appreciate you and feel so honored you tried and enjoyed my recipe.