Hot Bread!

Mmmmm...just pulled some delicious homemade bread out of the oven. I have never actually made a loaf of regular bread before. The recipe claims to be "super easy," and I will just add that it was a learning experience!

Since we currently have 2 feet of snow on the ground, which basically means I am homebound, I had to find a constructive way to fill my day. I pulled out all my scrapbooking supplies, but quickly realized that I was lacking inspiration. Then I had the grand idea to make a loaf of bread. It was a small miracle when I realized that I had a packet of yeast in the pantry (how did that get there?) plus all the other necessary ingredients.

Flour was quickly everywhere, I had sticky dough all over my hands and arms and feet (!!!), and I was just thankful there were not any witnesses!

The best part was when the timer finally went off, and I went into the kitchen to see the uncooked loaf still sitting on top of the stove. How on earth did I forget to put the bread into the oven after all that time and effort?!?

The final product:




Super Easy Bread for Beginners

Prep Time: 3 hours

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1-1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, approximately

Preparation:

1. In large bowl, add the warm water. Slowly stir in dry yeast. Continue to stir until yeast is dissolved.
   
   
2. Add salt, sugar, shortening, and milk to bowl. Stir.
   
   
3. Mix in the first 2 cups of flour.
   
   
4. If needed, begin adding more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough chases the spoon around the bowl.
   
   
5. You do not need to use up all the flour called for in this recipe, or you may need more flour than called for. The amounts vary depending on many factors, including weather, which is why most bread recipes only give an approximate amount of flour needed.
   
   
6. Turn dough out onto floured board and knead, adding small spoonfuls of flour as needed, until the dough is soft and smooth, not sticky to the touch.
   
   
7. Put dough in buttered bowl, turn dough over so that the top of dough is greased. Cover and let rise in warm spot for 1 hour.
   
   
8. Punch down dough. Turn out onto floured board and knead.
   
   
9. Preheat oven at 375 degrees F.
   
   
10. Form dough into loaf and set in buttered bread pan. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
    
    
11. Score dough by cutting three slashes across the top with a sharp knife. Put in oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
    
    
12. Turn out bread and let cool on a rack or clean dishtowel.