Introduction
Baking is an art that brings comfort and joy to many, and nothing quite matches the satisfaction of pulling a fresh loaf of bread from the oven. This simple recipe is a great start for beginners wanting to dive into the world of homemade bread. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying warm, fluffy bread perfect for any meal or occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons
– Sugar: 1 tablespoon
– Lukewarm water: ½ cup
– Lukewarm milk: ½ cup
– Flour: 3 ½ cups
– Salt: 1 teaspoon
– Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
– Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
– Cornmeal: for dusting
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
1 loaf
Directions
1. Soften the yeast in lukewarm water with a bit of sugar. Let it proof for about 10 minutes.
2. Butter a 9×5 inch loaf pan and dust it with cornmeal.
3. In a large mixing bowl, pour in lukewarm milk and stir in the yeast mixture.
4. Gradually add flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix until fully combined; the dough should be loose and sticky.
5. Transfer the dough into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and let it rise in a warm place until it reaches the top edge of the pan.
6. Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
7. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven, let it cool, then slice and serve with butter or jam.
Enjoy your beautifully baked bread, a delightful addition to any table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Soften the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine active dry yeast with lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Gently stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan
Take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and generously butter the inside. Sprinkle cornmeal over the buttered surface, ensuring it coats the sides and bottom evenly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour in lukewarm milk. Add the frothy yeast mixture to the milk and stir to combine.
Step 4: Mix the Dough
Gradually incorporate the flour, salt, and baking soda into the mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until all the ingredients are fully combined. The dough should feel loose and sticky.
Step 5: Transfer Dough to Pan
Carefully transfer the sticky dough into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top of the dough with a spatula, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the pan in a warm location to rise until the dough reaches the top edge of the pan.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
After baking, carefully remove the loaf from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it with butter or jam.
Notes
Temperature
Make sure the water and milk are lukewarm, as overly hot liquids can kill the yeast.
Rising Environment
For best results, find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise, such as near a sunny window or in an unheated oven with the light on.
Storage
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.
Cook techniques
Proofing Yeast
To activate active dry yeast, dissolve it in lukewarm water mixed with a bit of sugar. Allow it to proof for 10 minutes until foamy, indicating that the yeast is alive and ready to leaven the bread.
Preparing the Loaf Pan
Butter your loaf pan generously to prevent sticking, then dust it with cornmeal. This adds a pleasant texture to the bread crust.
Mixing Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk and the yeast mixture first. Gradually incorporate flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing until the dough is loose and sticky, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
Shaping and Rising
After mixing, transfer the dough into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and let it rise in a warm place until it expands and reaches the top edge of the pan, which aids in achieving a good rise during baking.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown color, indicating it is properly cooked.
Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool. This helps to maintain the integrity of the bread structure. Slice and serve with butter or jam for added flavor.
FAQ
What is proofing yeast, and why is it important?
Proofing yeast involves dissolving it in warm water with sugar to activate it. This step is crucial as it confirms the yeast is alive and helps the dough rise.
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, but keep in mind that each flour has different protein content, which can affect the texture and rising of the bread.
Why is my dough too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, it may be due to too much liquid or not enough flour. You can add a small amount of flour until the desired consistency is reached.
How can I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is fully baked when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach about 190ºF.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! You can add herbs, cheese, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your bread according to your taste preferences.
Conclusion
The combination of active dry yeast, sugar, lukewarm water and milk, flour, salt, baking soda, butter, and cornmeal results in a delightful bread that is both simple to make and satisfying to enjoy. By following the outlined steps, you can create a wonderful loaf that is perfect for spreading with butter or jam. This recipe not only brings comfort but also allows for creativity in the kitchen, as there are many variations and combinations you can explore.
Herbed Bread
Add a mix of dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the dough for a flavorful twist.
Cheese and Chive Loaf
Incorporate shredded cheese and chopped chives into the dough for a savory bread option.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Bread
Mix in cinnamon and sugar to the dough, then swirl in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a sweet treat.
Garlic Butter Bread
Blend minced garlic and garlic powder into the melted butter, then spread it over the top of the dough before baking for a garlicky flavor.
Seeded Bread
Top the loaf with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flaxseeds before baking for added crunch and nutrition.
Fruit and Nut Bread
Fold in chopped dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots, along with nuts like walnuts or almonds, for a hearty and nutritious loaf.
