Traditional White Bread Food

TRADITIONAL COTTAGE LOAF - OLD FASHIONED RUSTIC ENGLISH BREAD

Steps:

• Sift flour and salt into a bowl, stir in sugar and yeast. Make a well in the centre, stir in the tepid milk and water to make the dough. (If using fresh yeast - put the yeast in a jug with a little of the milk and water mixture, and allow it to dissolve and become frothy - mixing thoroughly, then add it to the flour.).
• Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Put the dough in a large, clean, oiled bowl. Cover with oiled clingfilm and leave in a warm place until it has doubled in size.Then knead the dough for 1 minute and divide it into two-thirds and a third. Shape the pieces into rounds. Cover them and leave for 5 minutes.
• Put the smaller round on top of the larger one. Push a floured wooden spoon (or your fingers) through the centre of both rounds, to join them together. Take a very sharp knife and make cuts all around the top round and the bottom round - see my photos. Put the cottage loaf on a lightly floured baking tray, cover and leave for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 220C/440F/Gas 7.
• Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and a pinch of salt. Brush the glaze over the cottage loaf and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, until dark golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped beneath.
• Cool before slicing. Delicious served with butter, jam, cheese, cold meats or make sandwiches or toast for picnics and breakfast!

GRANDMA VANDOREN'S WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, salt, oil, sugar, and 4 cups flour. Mix thoroughly, and let sponge rise until doubled in size.
• Gradually add about 4 cups flour, kneading until smooth. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn several times to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled.
• Punch down the dough, let it rest a few minutes. Divide dough into three equal parts. Shape into loaves, and place in three 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch greased bread pans. Let rise until almost doubled.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 to 45 minutes. The loaves may need to be covered for the last few minutes with foil to prevent excess browning.

HOMEMADE BREAD (HOMEMADE WHITE BREAD)

Steps:

• Place the water in the mixer bowl of your stand mixer.
• Stir in the honey to dissolve, and sprinkle the yeast over the water. Gently stir to mix.
• Allow the yeast to sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes, until it's activated and becomes frothy. This could take longer if your yeast was in the freezer. If the yeast doesn't activate (no frothy bubbles), then your yeast is likely too old and you will need it replaced with fresh yeast.
• Once the yeast is activated, you're ready to make the bread dough.
• To the proofed yeast mixture, add the flour, warm water, salt, honey, citric acid and melted butter.
• Using a dough whisk or a spatula, mix the ingredients to form a rough dough.
• Place the bowl in the mixer with a kneading hook attached, and knead the dough on low speed for about 2-5 minutes, until the dough comes together to form a ball.
• Increase the speed by 1 level (speed 3 in a kitchen aid mixer) and knead the dough for a further 12-15 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
• While the dough is kneading, check on it every few minutes to make sure it's kneading well, and is not too dry or too wet.
• If the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl, then it's too wet, so add a little extra flour (a dusting at a time), to get the right texture. To check if it's at the right consistency - lift the kneading hook from the bowl, and check if the dough only sticks to the bottom of the bowl. If yes, then the moisture is perfect. If the dough isn't sticking to the bottom of the bowl however, you may need to add a little extra water (just ½ tsp at a time), to get the right consistency. The dough should be smooth, a little soft and a little tacky to the touch.
• Once the dough is kneaded, remove the dough hook and fold the dough over a few times by hand, to get a smooth ball. Then place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough proof for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
• While the dough is proofing, prepare the bread loaf pan. Butter 1 - 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and set aside, until the dough is ready.
• Turn the proofed dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently press the dough into an evenly thick rectangle. The short side of this rectangle should be roughly about 8 - 8.5 inches (i.e. slightly shorter than the length of your bread loaf pan).
• Next, tightly roll up the short side, along the length of the dough rectangle. Make sure to pinch/press the edge of the dough as you go, while rolling it up (read the post and see pictures for more details).
• Once the dough is rolled up, pinch the seams to seal it, and tuck in the two sides and pinch these seams as well. Make sure all the seams are on one side (this will be the bottom) and the other side is smooth and seam-free (this will be the top).
• Transfer this into the prepared loaf pan, seam side down, and press the dough into the pan. Make sure it's evenly pressed into the bottom of the pan. Loosely cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let it proof again in a warm place, for about 45 minutes - 1 hour.
• The top of the dough should rise about 1 inch above the rim of your bread loaf pan (when looking from the side), and when you leave an indentation in the dough with your finger, the indentation should remain, and not bounce back (read the post and see pictures for more details).
• Preheat oven to 375°F, during the last 30 minutes of the second proofing time. It's best for the oven to be preheated to the right temperature for at least 20 minutes, before baking the bread.
• When the bread loaf is ready and the oven has preheated, place the loaf pan in the middle of the oven, and bake for 45 minutes. It's done when it sounds hollow when the bread is tapped on top, OR when the internal temperature has reached 195°F.
• Remove the pan from the oven, and keep it in a warm place (away from drafts) to cool. After about 10 minutes, remove the bread from the pan and keep it on a wire rack to cool down completely. The bread is now ready to be served.
• Optional - brush melted butter on the top while it's hot to add more buttery flavor.
• Keep the loaf in a bread box at room temperature for upto 4 - 5 days, or slice and keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

NEWFOUNDLAND WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Combine 3 cups of the flour along with the sugar, instant yeast and salt in a large bowl or in the bowl of a large electric mixer that uses a dough hook.
• Add the melted butter and warm milk.
• Using a wooden spoon or the regular paddle of your electric mixer beat for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. If using an electric mixer, switch to the dough hook at this point and begin to slowly incorporate the remaining 2 cups of flour. If not using an electric mixer keep mixing in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms that leaves the sides of the bowl.
• Turn the dough out onto the countertop or bread board to knead. You may need to use a little less or a little more flour, this is not uncommon. Knead the dough for an additional 10 minutes either in the electric mixer or on a bread board or countertop.
• Cover dough and leave to rest and rise for one hour.
• Punch the dough down and knead it for a few minutes by hand before letting it rest for another 10 minutes.
• Grease 2 medium loaf pans. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, forming each division into a ball. Place 3 balls of dough in each loaf pan.
• Cover with a clean tea towel and allow the dough to rise until it is about 2 inches above the rim of the pan, about 2 hours depending on room temperature.
• Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the pans that you are using.
• When baked, turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool. Brush the tops with melted butter if desired to soften the top crust.

SIMPLE WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add remaining water, dry milk, oil, sugar, salt, and 3 cups of flour; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes, or until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Punch the dough down, and divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in two greased 9 X 5 x 3 inch loaf pans. Grease the tops of the loaves, and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove bread from pans to cool on wire racks. Brush with melted butter or margarine.

CLASSIC WHITE LOAF

Steps:

• Make the dough by tipping the flour, yeast and salt into a large bowl and making a well in the middle. Pour in most of the water and use your fingers or a wooden spoon to mix the flour and water together until combined to a slightly wet, pillowy, workable dough - add a splash more water if necessary. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for at least 10 mins until smooth and elastic. This can also be done in a tabletop mixer with a dough hook. Place the dough in a clean oiled bowl, cover with cling film and leave to rise until doubled in size.
• Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Knock back the dough by tipping it back onto a floured surface and pushing the air out. Mould the dough into a rugby ball shape that will fit a 900g loaf tin and place in the tin. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to prove for 30 mins. Dust the top of the loaf with a little more flour and slash the top with a sharp knife if you want. Bake the bread for 15 mins, then reduce the heat to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5 and continue to bake for 30 mins until the loaf sounds hollow when removed from the tin and tapped on the base. Leave the bread on a wire rack to cool completely. The loaf will stay fresh in an airtight container for 3 days or can be frozen for 1 month.

SIMPLE WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• In a measuring cup, combine the sugar and yeast to 1 cup of lukewarm water, stirring until combined. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
• Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl and combine all the ingredients.
• Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour onto your work surface and knead the dough for a few minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• Store the dough in a sealable plastic bag that has been drizzled in olive oil, making sure the dough is completely covered in the oil. Keep the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
• WHEN YOU ARE READY* to bake the bread, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Leave the dough in the plastic zipped bag,and let it come to room temperature (about an hour). *This can sit in your fridge for SEVERAL days!!
• Prepare a loaf pan with nonstick spray.
• Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour on your work surface, take the dough out of the bag, and knead and fold the dough for about 1 minute.
• Form a log with the dough that will fit in your prepared loaf pan. Cover the pan with the plastic bag and let it rise until is has at least doubled in size (about 2 hours).
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
• After the dough has risen, remove the plastic covering and slash the top of the dough with a sharp knife.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the internal temperature is 190-210°F. Let it cool completely before slicing.

SIMPLE WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of water. Add the remaining water, dry milk, oil, sugar, salt and 3 cups of flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch the dough down. Divide in half; shape into loaves. Place in two greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , Bake at 375° for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks. Brush with butter.

EASY WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Mix 500g strong white flour, 2 tsp salt and a 7g sachet of fast-action yeast in a large bowl.
• Make a well in the centre, then add 3 tbsp olive oil and 300ml water, and mix well. If the dough seems a little stiff, add another 1-2 tbsp water and mix well.
• Tip onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for around 10 mins.
• Once the dough is satin-smooth, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling film. Leave to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size or place in the fridge overnight.
• Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Knock back the dough (punch the air out and pull the dough in on itself) then gently mould the dough into a ball.
• Place it on the baking parchment to prove for a further hour until doubled in size.
• Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7.
• Dust the loaf with some extra flour and cut a cross about 6cm long into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
• Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack.

TRADITIONAL IRISH WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425F (200C).
• Sieve dry ingredients.
• Pour milk into a well in the dry ingredients.
• Blend and knead bread until smooth.
• Place in warm dusted dutch oven with flour.
• Bake for 20 mins at temperature, then reduce heat to 350F (180C) for another 20 mins.

TRADITIONAL WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Wait until the yeast and sugar dissolve.
• Stir in butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour until well incorporated.
• Stir in the remaining flour ½ a cup at a time. Mix well with each flour addition.
• When the dough is pulled together, turn out onto a floured surface and begin to knead for 8 - 10 minute
• Place the dough (into a lightly oiled, large bowl. Turn the dough to coat with oil.
• Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise 1hr.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divided into two even loaves.
• Place loaves in two lightly oiled bread pans.
• Cover the loaves with damp cloths and allow them to rise 40min.
• Preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes and the top is golden brown. The loaf should also sound hollow when tapped.

TRADITIONAL WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Stir in lard, salt and two cups of the flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into loaves. Place the loaves into two lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

TRADITIONAL WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Notes: (1) The first three ingredients are used together. (2) Quick rise yeast can be used but the recipe must be adjusted according to the individual package instructions. (3) I use Fleischmann's typically but I have had success with both Bakipan and Fermipan as well. (4) If using compressed yeast the conversion is 2 1/4 teaspoons to 1 package of dry granular. (5) It is easiest to get the dough to rise if you use a heavy earthenware or wooden bowl. I use earthenware personally and have never had issues with keeping the dough at a good, even temperature.
• Combine the first 3 ingredients by dissolving the sugar in the lukewarm water and sprinkling the yeast over it. Let stand for approximately 15 minutes.
• For the remaining ingredients: Combine the water with the sugar, lard, and salt. Mix until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved. Add the dissolved yeast. Stir in 5 cups of flour gradually, mixing as you add. Mix until smooth. Cover and set in a warm place to rise until about double in bulk: about 1 1/4 hours. Note: I usually preheat my oven to about 175F before I begin and shut it off as soon as it hits temperature, but leave the oven light on. By the time I'm ready for the first rise, the oven is comfortably warm but not hot; in other words, the dough will not begin to cook or be scorched to the bottom of the bowl.
• After the dough has completed it's first rise, add the remaining 5 to 5 1/2 cups of flour, and knead until the dough no longer sticks to your hands; typically about 20 minutes or until bubbles form.
• Brush dough with shortening (butter, lard, or margarine) and place in a lightly greased bowl in a warm place. Let the dough rise until double in bulk again; about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Punch down and let rise about for about an hour.
• Shape into loaves or buns and place in well greased pans. Brush with melted butter, cover and let rise until double in bulk again; 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours depending on how warm the dough and the house is.
• Bake at 425F for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375F and bake for about 40 minutes or until done; the baking period will depend on the size of the loaves.
• When turned out of the pans, you should be able to hear a nice "hollow" sound when you gently tap on the bottoms. Allow bread to cool on a wire rack, tea towel or other surface that won't cause condensation to gather on the crust. Brush the fresh bread with butter to glaze it.
• Enjoy!

TRADITIONAL WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Mix 3 1/2 cups of the flour, the sugar, salt, shortening and yeast in large bowl. Add warm water. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in enough remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, to make dough easy to handle.
• Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl and turn greased side up. Cover and let rise in warm place 40 to 60 minutes or until double. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.
• Grease bottoms and sides of 2 loaf pans, 9x5x3 or 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches.
• Punch down dough and divide in half. Flatten each half with hands or rolling pin into rectangle, 18x9 inches, on lightly floured surface. Roll dough up tightly, beginning at 9-inch side, to form a loaf. Press with thumbs to seal after each turn. Pinch edge of dough into roll to seal. Press each end with side of hand to seal. Fold ends under loaf. Place seam side down in pan. Brush loaves lightly with butter. Cover and let rise in warm place 35 to 50 minutes or until double.
• Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 425°F.
• Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until loaves are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans to wire rack. Brush loaves with butter; cool.

TRADITIONAL WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Place ingredients into bread pan per your machines manual, usually wet first and then dry.
• Select white bread, crust color and if your machine has it set for 1/5 lb. loaf.
• Start baking process.