The wholesome goodness of fresh baked bread turns a great meal into an extraordinary one, and these two loaves are easy to prepare and remarkably delicious and savory.
A warm, fresh-baked loaf of bread is reminiscent of a simpler time when bread was homemade and meals were prepared with care. The smell of baking bread fills the house with the aroma of the bounty of the land and assures all that this is home and everyone is welcome.
These bread recipe's make delicious loaves of goodness sure to heighten any meal. Try them and every meals will rise to a new level sure to please and impress any guests.
Rustic Italian White Bread
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup water heated to 100 to 120 degrees F
- 2 Tbls olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 2 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 (2¼ oz) packet dry yeast
- cornmeal
- 1 egg white, beaten
DIRECTIONS
- Using a measuring cup, fill with flour and level off.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the warm water and oil; mix well.
- Put the dough on a lightly floured board or surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until silky and smooth.
- Put dough in a lightly oiled large bowl, cover with a cloth and place in warm place for 30 to 35 minutes, until it has risen and is doubled in size.
- Sprinkle ungreased cookie sheet with cornmeal. Lightly oil loaf pans first. Punch down dough and onto lightly floured board or smooth surface, cover with inverted bowl and let rest for about 15 minutes.
- Shape dough into a baguette style loaf about 12 inches long or for loaf pans. Place on the cookie sheet or pans, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 35 to 40 minutes until it has doubled.
- Make a long slash the length of the bread with a knife. Brush the loaf with the egg white.
- Place in pre-heated 375 degree oven for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Amish White Bread
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 6 cups bread flour
DIRECTIONS
- Dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then add yeast to a large bowl and stir. Allow to proof for about 8 to 10 minutes until yeast is bubbly and foamy.
- Add the oil and salt into the yeast and gently stir. Add flour one cup at a time, incorporating it well. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, gradually adding small amounts of flour if dough is sticky
- In a well oiled bowl, put in the dough and turn once to coat with the oil. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise for about one hour until doubled in size.
- Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes more, and divide dough in two.
- Oil two 9x5 inch loaf pans well. Shape the dough into two loaves, and place them into the loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes. Dough will rise until it is above the pans, about 1 inch.
- Place loaves in a pre-heated 350 degree oven (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until bread is browned and makes a hollow sound when you tap it.Serve these breads with Standing Prime Rib Roast or homemade Tomato Soup or Potato Soup.
Copyright Christopher T. Reilly. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Christopher T. Reilly - Hello. I have been a professional writer for 25 years with experience that encompasses articles, essays, websites, Internet content, stage ...
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