Sunshine, Graffiti and Grains for BBD #20

It has been a hot and sunny week and everyone is spending their time outdoors. That includes the graffiti artists. Either that or graffiti art is becoming more popular, or more of a problem. While out hiking this week I spotted a few new signs or artworks. I actually thought that two of them were quite artistic.

I wondered if there are designated spots in Helsinki where graffiti artists can freely paint and create like we have in Melbourne and Sydney.

It was so hot that even our local lions were dozing in the sunshine, just like they would in Africa.

The monthly bread baking event was created by Zorra and BBD #20 is hosted by Tangerine's Kitchen this month. The theme: Multigrain loaves. I love loaves with texture and a variety of grains, so decided to participate.

Wholewheat, Rye and Rice Loaf with Sunflower Seeds.

1 Cup Rolled Rye
1 ¾ Cups Lukewarm Water
1 Sachet Dry Yeast or 20g Fresh Yeast
1 teaspoon Salt
½ Cup Skim Milk Powder
½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice or Barley
½ Cup Toasted Sunflower Seeds + 2 Tablespoons extra
2 Cups Wholewheat Flour
1 ½ Cups Bread Flour
Egg wash for glazing the loaf

• In a bowl, combine the wholewheat flour, rolled rye, rice/barley, ½ cup sunflower seeds, milk powder and salt.
• Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and leave for 5 minutes till frothy.
• Add the water and yeast mix to the flour and mix very well.
• Add the bread flour ½ cup at a time and mix in.
• Knead for a few minutes on a floured board till the dough is smooth and does not stick.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn over to coat with oil, cover with plastic wrap and let it stand till it has doubled in size – approx 1 – 1 ½ hours.
• Gently deflate the dough and knead again for a minute.
• Form a round loaf.
• Place it on a baking tray on baking paper or a baking sheet and let it stand again till it has doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 180 C.
• Slash the loaf a few times, paint it with the egg wash and sprinkle with the extra sunflower seeds.

• Bake for approx 30 minutes till golden brown. Cover the top with foil if it gets too brown to prevent the crust and sunflower seeds burning.
• Turn off the oven, remove the foil and let it stand another 10 minutes in the oven till golden brown.

Pack a picnic basket. Load it with the loaf and lots of cold butter and cheese and go and find a peaceful spot to enjoy the feast and the sunshine.