My Homemade Bread Recipe (also Pizza Dough and Garlic Knots)

Mish — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:25:42 +0000

I’ve actually had a number of requests to post my homemade bread recipe online – so here it is. I vary this recipe depending on what I have on hand – or what I feel like making. You can too! This recipe makes two loaves, but I often forget the Kitchenaid mixer and double or even quadruple it so I can freeze it too.

For two loaves:

5-6 cups of unbleached flour. Or, alternatively, 2 cups unbleached flour, 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup whole rolled oats.

1 stick butter, melted. Or 1/2 cup dry milk and water or 1/2 cup milk.
1 tsp yeast
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon salt

Here we go:

1. Put yeast and 1 cup of warm water in a large bowl. Let yeast dissolve.

2. Put 2 cups flour in the bowl (with water and yeast). Mix into a soft “slurry” with a wooden spoon.

3. Add the second cup of water.

4. Add remaining flour (or flour and grains). Add butter or milk.

5. Mix together with your hands – or your let your KitchenAid paddle do the work (not the dough hook).

6. Now, here’s how my bread doesn’t get dried out…the dough will feel a little sticky – that’s OK. Butter a clean space on your counter – or spray it with Pam. You can dust your hands with flour – or grease them with a bit of butter. Knead the bread dough. If it still feels very wet, add in more flour, otherwise just knead it until it looks and feels smooth (baby’s butt, comes to mind).

7. Place dough in a clean, well-buttered bowl to rise. Cover with a towel. Place in a warm spot. I like the top of the dryer, or near the woodstove.

8. After dough has risen to double it’s size, punch down; turn out on a greased spot on counter (no flour); shape into loaves and place into well-greased loaf pans. This recipe can also be made into nice rounds or baguettes.

9. Let rise again for another 2 hours or so. Place in a pre-heated 450 degree oven for about 20 minutes. I say about because all ovens are different. Keep an eye on the bread. When the tops develop a deep golden brown, they are done. Take a loaf out and “thunk” on the top to be sure. If it makes a “hollow” sound – it’s done.

10. Enjoy!

Want great pizza dough – use the same recipe, except don’t add any dairy to it…or oatmeal, that would be weird. You can also take the dough, cut it into strips and make fantastic bread sticks. Tie the sticks into knots and baste with melted butter and garlic bits for awesome garlic knots!

Technorati Tags: bread recipe, bread sticks, food, garlic knots, homemade bread, pizza dough, recipes, wholegrain bread

Organically Inclined » wholegrain bread

My Homemade Bread Recipe (also Pizza Dough and Garlic Knots)