Bread

Steps

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissulved.
• Sprinkle the yeast over the water mixture. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t froth, your yeast might be expired or the water might have been too hot or too cold.
• 2. Mix the Dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and softened butter.
• Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on low speed to mix the dough.
• 3. Knead the Dough:
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
• Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
• 4. Let the Dough Rise:
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil.
• Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
• 5. Shape the Dough:
• Punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can shape it into a rectangle and then roll it up, pinching the seams closed.
• 6. Second Rise:
• Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
• Cover the pan loosely with a towel or plastic wrap.
• Let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the top of the pan.
• 7. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the dough’s rise.
• 8. Bake the Bread:
• Optionally, you can brush the top of the dough with a little milk for a softer crust.
• Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf should read about 190°F (88°C).
• 9. Cool the Bread:
• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.