I'm looking for a basic bread recipe...?!
I'm looking for a basic bread recipe...?
that does NOT involve a bread machine. I have a small loaf pan - 8 1/2 x 4 (2 1/2 in. tall). I just want to make basic white bread. I think I have the basic ingredients, but I don't know what measurements to use. I'm having trouble finding a simple recipe that doesn't involve bread machines. Is it that tough to do without one? We have one here, but I don't know how to use it, and would prefer not to use it.
Answers:
Basic White Bread
Yield: 2 pizzas or 2 standard-sized loaves or 16 rolls
Stir together:
approx. 6 to 6-1/2 c. bread flour (all-purpose can be substituted if you wish) 3 T. granulated sugar
2 t. salt
1/4 t. ground ginger
2 T. gluten flour
1/4 to 1/2 c. powdered milk (do not use for pizza dough)
3 T. soft shortening (optional in standard bread and rolls; do not use for pizza)
Stir in:
4-1/2 to 6 t. granulated yeast (I use the instant stuff, but you can use the longer-rising yeast if you wish)
Add:
2-1/4 c. warm water (approx. 110-120 degrees -- warm to the wrist)
FOR PIZZA:
I also add approximately 2-3 Tbsp. of good-quality olive oil, and often some Italian spices such as rosemary, basil, thyme, savory, etc.
If you are using a KitchenAid, knead for approximately 9 minutes by machine; otherwise, use your standard hand-kneading techniques. Place dough in a greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap or a tea towel. Place dough in a warm, draft-free location (in the summer my hot garage serves as my "proofing oven") until it has doubled in bulk. Punch down; let rise again until doubled. Punch down; divide dough into two equal portions.
FOR STANDARD BREAD:
Shape into loaves and place into greased loaf pans. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or tea towel. Place in a warm location until dough has risen approximately 1/4" to 1/2" above top of loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25 minutes. Remove loaves from pans; place loaves (without pans) back into oven. Bake for approximately 5-15 minutes longer until loaves are golden-brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Remove loaves from oven; place on wire racks to cool thoroughly.
ENJOY!!