Basic bread

Submitted by kosai03

Introduction

This is a basic bread recipe that I have come up with over time based on other ones I have tried. I normally bake up a loaf each weekend to use during the week for sandwiches.

Ingredients

Main

• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 tsp yeast (I have been using a bread machine/rapid rise yeast)
• 3 Tbsp cane sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 3/4 - 3 cups flour
• Something to lightly grease the pan (I use an olive oil spray)

I like to use bread flours, but I assume all-purpose could serve the same task. I sometimes substitute a little of the flour for whole grain stuff.

Optional

• A touch of honey
• Milled flax
• Anything else you want

Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Liquid measuring cup
• Regular measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Bread pan (I think mine are 9x5)
• A nice surface to work on
• Cooling rack
• Towel to cover with

Instructions

Base Mix

In a large bowl, add:

• Water
• Milk
• Yeast

Mix briefly, then add:

• Sugar
• Honey (optional)

Mix briefly, then add:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• Flax (optional)
• Other items (optional)

Mix this for around 200 strokes, it should be a mildly thick batter. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Creating the dough

To the mix, add:

• Salt
• Olive oil

Mix this lightly, then add:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

Give this a slight mix, it should be very doughy. Turn this dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 minutes, working in more flour if needed. It should become very smooth and elastic rather than sticky.

Put a little oil in the bottom of a bowl and roll the dough ball in it. Let it sit in the bowl, covered, for 1 hour to rise.

Creating the loaf

Start preheating the oven to 400* F

Punch down the risen dough ball and work it into a smaller, somewhat longer than wide loaf. Then place it in the greased pan and let it rise for approximately 30 minutes (or until its doubled and looks like the size of loaf you want). You can dust the top with oats, flax, flour, or whatever you feel like to make it look cool if you desire.

Place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until light brown on top.

Remove from the pan and give the bottom a tap with your finger, it should sound kind of hollow. Place the loaf on the cooling rack to cool and enjoy.

[Pictures coming the next time I make it]