Recipes by Angela Lansbury: Power Loaf; Walnut Date Bread

Angela Lansbury's Power Loaf

2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups cracked wheat
3 tablespoons shortening
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon salt
2 packets active dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water
4 cups stone-ground wheat flour
1 cup bran flakes
3/4 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup wheat germ

In large bowl, pour boiling water over cracked wheat and stir. Stir in shortening, honey and salt; let cool to lukewarm.

Sprinkle yeast into warm water; let stand until frothy; add to wheat mixture. Gradually stir in 3 cups flour. Stir in bran flakes, oats and wheat germ. Mix very well and cover bowl with damp cloth. Let rise, about 1 hour, until doubled in bulk.

Punch dough down. On floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic, blending in as much of remaining flour as needed if dough is sticky. Divide dough in half and place in 2 greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled.

Bake in 350 degrees F. oven for 45 minutes or until loaves are well browned and sound hollow when tapped. Makes 2 loaves.

Angela Lansbury's Walnut Date Bread

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 scant cup boiling water
1 cup chopped pitted dates
2/3 cup walnut pieces
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Strawberry cream cheese, optional

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Generously oil a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour.

Place butter, baking soda, boiling water and dates into a heatproof mixing bowl. Let cool. Mix in walnuts, sugar, egg yolk, flour and vanilla extract. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour.

Cool for 10 minutes and remove from pan onto rack to cool. Slice and serve with strawberry cream cheese and freshly brewed tea.