Peeta’s Raisin Bread
I stared at the loaves in disbelief. They were fine, perfect really, except for the burned areas. Did he mean for me to have them? He must have. Because there they were at my feet. Before anyone could witness what had happened I shoved the loaves up under my shirt, wrapped the hunting jacket tightly about me, and walked swiftly away. The heat of the bread burned into my skin, but I clutched it tighter, clinging to life.
By the time I reached home, the loaves had cooled somewhat, but the insides were still warm. When I dropped them on the table, Prim’s hands reached to tear off a chunk, but I made her sit, forced my mother to join us at the table, and poured warm tea. I scraped off the black stuff and sliced the bread. We ate an entire loaf, slice by slice. It was good hearty bread, filled with raisins and nuts. (The Hunger Games)
When they were children, Peeta saved Katniss and her Family from hunger by throwing out a loaf of bread which was burnt and unable to eat… His kindness in that moment is shown throughout the Games and is part of what brings them together. Remember: Food is the Key to Survival.
If I were Peeta, I would have thrown my loaves out to a child too (I always strive to help those who I know need it). I would not have just thrown mine because they are burnt (which they aren’t), but because they are quite ugly looking (and upon further review – I realize it is because the recipe calls for 1/2 cup water & I used 1 1/2 cups, which would explain why I needed to keep adding flour). With that being said – this bread is still delicious which just goes to show that it is a very forgiving bread recipe & you should make it (one for you and one to share with someone else)
Tomorrow is the Big Day, August 18th: Hunger Games comes out on DVD and I am giving away a copy of The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook… be sure to come back tomorrow to enter!
Peeta’s Burnt Raisin Bread
- 5 teaspoons active dry yeast (or a .25 oz package)
- 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees)
- 1 1/2 cup warm milk (110 degrees)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 + cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 egg white
- 2 Tablespoons water
- In your bowl of your mixing bowl: combine the water and the yeast to dissolve the yeast, until foamy (about 5 minutes). Add your milk, honey, butter, salt, cinnamon, sugar, eggs, and whole wheat flour. Mix on low with a dough hook until smooth. Add all-purpose flour until you have a soft dough.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about an hour). While your bread is rising, put your raisins in a bowl with water to let soak (drain when they are needed).
- Grease two 8.5 x 4.5 loaf pans (or two cookie sheet – depending if you want free form or contained loafs).
- Punch down your dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and top with the raisins and walnuts, Then knead them in. Divide your dough in half.
- Roll the dough into loaves, keeping the goodies folded inside.
- Place the loaves into the pans and cover to let rise until doubled (another hour).
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- Beat egg white and cold water to brush over your loaves.
- Bake at 375 for about 40 minutes, until tops are golden brown (if they are browning too fast – cover with a foil tent for the the last 15 minutes).
- Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
As written in The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook
And I leave you with this, Today’s Question of the Day… Have you ever totally misread or messed up a recipe, and were the results still edible?