Basic Bread

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Basic Bread

The smell of freshly baked bread is always a hit. This Basic Bread Recipe is easy to follow, using few ingredients and a secret baking technique. Bake a loaf for the holiday dinner table, and make sure to have plenty of butter!
Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water 110F degrees
  • 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp bread flour

Instructions

Making the dough:

  • Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a mixing bowl.
  • Allow to sit until bubbles form (about 5 minutes).
  • Stir in salt and flour until blended.
  • Knead the dough with a flexible spatula by folding it over and pushing it to the bottom of the bowl a total of 4 times.
  • Sprinkle the remaining flour over the dough and continue to knead the dough as directed above for 5 minutes or until the dough is spongy.
  • Scrape the bowl and form the dough into a ball.
  • Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for an hour.
  • Stir and quickly knead the dough with the spatula. Cover again for another hour.
  • Flour a flat surface and place the dough ball into the flour. Form a loaf shape. Use extra flour as needed if dough becomes sticky.
  • Flour a baking sheet in an area about double the size of the loaf.
  • Place the loaf in the flour and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let it sit until it doubles in size (about an hour).

Baking instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375F degrees.
  • Use a spray bottle to line the inside of the oven with water.
  • Bake for 5 minutes, then spray the oven again (make sure not to hit the bread with the water).
  • Bake 12 minutes then spray the oven again.
  • Bake 12 more minutes or until the bread is browned and crusty on top.
  • Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack 1 hour before slicing.