I love the smell of freshly baked bread as
it comes out of the oven and even more so, when you roughly break off the end and spread with
loads of butter. Or maybe even some of your
own homemade jam? Definitely a nostalgia
moment I think. Did you know that baking
your own bread just couldn't be simpler?
Here's an easy recipe to get you started and if you're feeling really
adventurous then why not try adding some fillings like sun dried tomatoes or
olives.
You will need (to make one large loaf or
lots of small rolls):
300g Strong white flour
300g Strong wholemeal flour
15g fresh yeast or one sachet of dried
active yeast (follow instructions on the packet)
30g Oil or butter
Lukewarm water (1 part boiling to 2 parts
cold), about 300ml but you might need more or less
A pinch of salt
Preparation:
Put the two flours together in a large bowl
along with a pinch of salt and other seasoning if you wish. Mix in the butter or oil into the flour using
your fingertips like you are making breadcrumbs. Make a well in the centre of the flour and
put in the fresh yeast. (If you are using the packet stuff then follow the
instructions on the pack). Pour in a
tiny amount of water, enough to melt the yeast and crumble the yeast in your
hands. Gradually pour in some more water, a little at a time and draw in the
flour from the sides. Slowly the mixture
will form into a soft, pliable but not sticky dough. Knead for about 5 to 10 minutes and then put
into a clean bowl and cover the bowl with cling film. Leave in a warm place to prove. The dough with rise, once it has doubled in
size, lift it on to a floured work surface and knock back. Knead again for 5 (and if you want to add any
fillings then nows the time to do it, just knead in) then form into a loaf
shape or rolls. Put on to a greased
baking tray and again, leave to prove until doubled in size. Preheat your oven to gas mark 4/ 160*C and
bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the loaf has turned a golden colour
and when knocked on the bottom sounds hollow.
Now enjoy with lashings of butter and homemade jam!
