Homemade Bread

Oh how I hate not being able to make bread easily.  I know I need practice and I will eventually get it, but I just don't understand why baking is so hard for me.  I have been putting off making bread for a while now because...well...it NEVER works for me.  I have debated getting a bread machine, but that seems to defeat the purpose.  I know it is still homemade.  I just really want to prefect baking on my own.

I was browsing through some of my favorite sites when I found a recipe for homemade bread on Learning the Frugal Life that looked yummy and seemed to be a favorite of many people.  I pinned it a while back and finally today I decided to attempt making it for myself.  I did half the recipe because I only wanted one loaf just in case I messed up another bread recipe...lol

Looks like bread...this may be a success!

Homemade Bread

1 Cup Warm Water (not HOT it will kill the yeast!)

1/3 Cup Honey

1 Packet Active Dry Yeast

3/4 tsp Salt

2 TBS Vegetable Oil

3 Cups All-Purpose Flour (I didn't have bread flour and I looked up substitutes on Joy of Baking)

• Combine water and honey until dissolved and fully incorporated
• Mix in yeast and allow to foam (suppose to be 5 minutes, but mine wouldn't foam.  It dissolved completely and I allowed mine to work for about 20 minutes)
• Mix salt and oil into yeast mixture and then add flour 1 cup at a time mixing well in between additions
• Lightly knead dough on a floured surface until smooth

Dough ball ready for oil and to rise

• Place about 1-2 tsp of oil in a bowl and then turn dough to coat
• Meanwhile turn oven to 200 degrees for 2 minutes and turn off
• Cover bowl with a warm, damp cloth and place in oven to allow dough to rise until doubled (about 1-2 hours)
• Punch down and knead a dough for a few minutes
• Shape into a loaf and place in a well oiled bread pan
• Allow dough to rise until dough is about 1 inch above pan (mine took 1 hour)

Dough has risen and is ready to bake

• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (mine was ready after only 23 minutes!  I could really smell it so I checked and the crust was a deep golden brown)
• Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30-45 minutes (wait at least 30 minutes to slice your bread)

Now doesn't that look gorgeous!

YAY!  My bread turned out!  I was a bit skeptical on how it would turn out because my yeast wouldn't foam, but it is wonderful.  My son and I already had a slice with just a little butter and yummy!  Now I can make bread...HAPPY DANCE!  I like this bread with the hint of honey in it too.  Very good and it came out perfect :)