Basic Bread – The Simple Basics

If you love to cook in your kitchen and you have a handy oven in it, baking bread should not be mystery. All you need are a few ingredients and the determination to eat what you baked. Here is how to make simple or basic bread that would be easy to follow by any beginner. You need self-rising yeast, flour, sugar, milk, butter, vegetable oil or olive oil and warmed water. Plus you need the space to knead the bread.

First, if you are experienced in using yeast, you know you have to test the yeast if it is still active. If you have never used yeast before, make sure to get some instant yeast instead. Mix about half a cup of milk and one tablespoon of butter or margarine and warm over low heat until the butter melts. Set aside. You can also try French Toast a la The Diet Solution by Isabel De Los Rios. Enjoy your french toast.

Second, pour two cups of flour (your choice of type and kind) into a large deep bowl and add about three packages of instant yeast. Stir the dry ingredients to mix properly and then carve out a well in the middle.

Third, slowly pour in the warmed milk into the well you made. With a wooden spoon, slowly stir the wet and dry ingredients together until they form a paste. You can also do this with a mixer if you want. Once the ingredients are incorporated, place the dough mixture onto a floured flat surface. Set aside bowl.

Fourth, knead the dough with the heal of your hand in one fluid but firm upward stroke. Fold in the dough and continue kneading. Add more flour if too wet, but do this very gradually until the dough no longer sticks to the surface of the board. Continue kneading until it becomes elastic and no longer sticky.

Fourth, wipe clean the bowl you have set aside, coat with olive oil and place the kneaded dough and cover with a damp dish towel. Allow the dough to rise or double in size.

Last, punch down the dough and knead again. Do this for about ten minutes. Shape the dough on a flat sheet or place it in a bread pan. Bake in a preheated oven of about 350° for about 40 or 50 minutes, or until the surface turns a golden brown. Remove from oven, invert the pan or sheet over a wire rack, and let cool.

Click here to see some yeast bread recipes and recipes for rolls. Click here.