Wednesday, February 22, 2012

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 :)

6 comments:

  1. Looks great ! Thanks for sharing the recipe ! Have a yummy day !

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    1. Thank you! We love it and I am so happy to have finally made a successful bread :)

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  2. Yay for homemade bread! I am so glad it turned out for you. I know how frustrating it can be to go through all the hard work of making your own bread only to have it not turn out right. Congrats! It looks awesomely delicious!

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    1. It's almost all gone! Everyone has been gobbling it up :) I am definitely one happy girl right now!

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  3. YUM! I make homemade bread too! Will try your recipe and see if I can notice a difference. Your break looks delicous! I don't think it would last long in my house! If you have any family friendly recipes, like this, I would love for you to share it on my Tuesday link up. We are trying to encourage kids cooking in the kitchen. If you have any, that would be great. If not, family friendly is perfect. http://younglivingoillady.com/home/kids-in-the-kitchen-link-up/
    Thanks!

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    1. It was gone quickly in our house! I am just so happy to have a loaf of bread turn out right. I have problems with baking...lol. I will definitely check out your party! Thanks for stopping by :)

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What do you think? I'd love to hear from you!