Baking bread at home is more than just a culinary task; it’s a deeply satisfying and therapeutic process. The moment the dough transforms beneath your hands, turning from a sticky mass to a smooth, elastic ball, you realize the magic of baking. The fragrance that fills your kitchen as the bread bakes is unrivaled, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia. As you slice into the perfectly golden loaf, the crisp crust gives way to a soft, airy crumb, making all the effort worthwhile. Homemade bread, with its simple ingredients and soulful process.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
- 2 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 1/2 cups bread flour
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam, about 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare Dough:
- Mix salt and oil into the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 8-10 minutes. Place dough in a well-oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat the surface. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
- Shape and Proof:
- Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well-oiled 9×5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake loaves in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
