Bread A Bakers Book of Techniques and Recipes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until it forms a sticky dough.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing.
How to prepare:
To prepare this delicious bread, start by gathering all the ingredients. Measure and set them aside for easy access.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined and a sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to ferment and create air pockets in the dough, resulting in a light and fluffy bread.
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a loaf by folding the sides towards the center and rolling it tightly.
Place the shaped loaf on a greased baking sheet or in a greased bread pan. Allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes. This step is important for the final texture and volume of the bread.
Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown color. You can also tap the bottom of the loaf to check if it sounds hollow, indicating that it’s fully baked.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. This will prevent it from getting squished or losing moisture while cutting.
Preparation time: 3 hours and 30 minutes (including rising time)
Servings: 1 loaf
Nutrition Facts:
| Amount Per Serving | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % Daily Value\* | 200 | 1g | 360mg | 40g | 6g |
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey or molasses to the dough mixture.
- Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, to create unique flavors and textures.
- Try adding herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the dough for added taste.
- To prevent the bread from sticking to the baking sheet, you can dust it with cornmeal or use parchment paper.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the rising time and water temperature accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze the bread?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to eat.
Q: Can I use a bread machine to make this bread?
A: Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dough preparation, then continue with the rising, shaping, and baking steps as mentioned above.
Enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of freshly baked bread with this recipe from Bread A Bakers Book of Techniques and Recipes. It’s a great option for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side for soups and stews. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and additions to make this recipe truly your own!
