Recipe of the Week – The World’s Simplest Bread Dough & The No-Frills Loaf April 19, 2008

In my quest to be more domesticated, I’ve decided to try my hand at baking homemade bread. I found a recipe that’s seems to be pretty simple, so I decided to share and post two Recipes of the Week for this week, in case any of you (as if anyone is actually reading this blog, but anyway) get the baking bug as well. Get the kids involved for a some fun, family quality time. Good luck and happy baking!

The World’s Simplest Bread Dough

Ingredients

Difficulty: Intermediate
Prep Time: approximately 30-40 minutes (does not include allowing bread to rise. This takes about 1-2 hours and then another 45 minutes before baking.)
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Yields: 2 loaves

2 cups warm water (for a tender, brown crust use 1/2 cup warm water and 1 1/2 cups warm milk)
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp sugar
5 1/2 – 6 cups all purpose or whole wheat flour, or a combination
2 tsp salt

1. The key to activating yeast is to find the right water temperature. (Think warm bathwater. If it feels warm on the wrist, but not hot, it’s ready to pour in the bowl.)

2. Add the yeast. (I heard that this stuff smells!)

3. Measure the sugar into the bowl. (Sugar helps make the yeast grow/rise.)

4. Whisk until the sugar and yeast are dissolved.

5. Measure 2 cups of flour into the bowl. To get an exact measurement, spoon the floor into the measuring cup and level with a knife.

6. Whisk the mixture well, then let it “proof”, or sit for 10 minutes. If tiny bubbles appear and the batter looks slightly expanded, you’re on the right track.

7. Stir in the salf, then add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time. (This can get messy, so if kids are helping you and aren’t up to the challenge, you might want to take over here.)

8. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop.

9. To knead, fold the dough in half and push it down and away with the heel of your hand. Rotate the dough and repeat until it is smooth and elastic. (Kneading can take up to 10 minutes.)

10. Place the ball dough in a bowl that’s been greased with vegetable oil and turn to coat.

11. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap (might want to secure with a rubber band or something) and let the dough rise in a draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

12. Punch the dough (kids will think this is fun!)

13. Knead it again to remove air bubbles, then shape and follow the baking directions below.

The No-Frills Loaf

1/2 recipe of The World’s Simplest Bread Dough – above (1/2 of the recipie makes one loaf. For 2 loaves, use all of the dough.)
Butter or margarine

1. Roll the dough into a rectangle and fold it into thirds like a letter. Turn the ends under adn place the dough, seam side down, in a greased loaf pan.

2. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 45 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees adn bake the bread for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the bread from the oven; if the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, it’s done.

5. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Rub with butter or margarine for a shiny finish and enjoy a warm slice. When cool, wrap the remaining loaf tightly in plastic.

Egg Wash
Add an egg wash to your loaves of bread by brushing them with an egg wash just before putting them in the over. To make an egg wash, whisk one egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Use a pastry brush to carefully cover the surface of the bread (be gentle so the risen loaf won’t fall.)