Baking bread at home can seem like a daunting task to someone who has maybe never tried it before. Some people may also find that they don’t have the time it can take rising and kneading then rising and kneading, then rising some more or and how about kneading some more… you get what I’m saying. The first thing I will say before we jump into the how- to of the recipe, is that having a stand up mixer has changed this entire process for me to make it as simple as brushing my teeth in the morning. (thank you husband) Adding baking bread into part of the daily routine will seem so natural. This recipe of “Rustic Loaf” was found with my dear friend Wendy (you can see a pic of her in our Cloud Biscuit post) while we were in New Zealand together. We just wanted something homey, quick, and yummy.
First you throw all your dry ingredients into the bowl. That’s right, no activating the yeast.
This kneading hook is one of the coolest things that has ever come into my life….use this if you are using a stand up mixer.
Add your measured water slowly as you turn up the mixer to a low then medium speed. Seriously, would you just look at that! I let the mixer knead the dough for about 8 minutes and stop the mixer occasionally to push the dough down off the cook and back into the bowl. At this time I am doing other things that need to be done….yes I walk a way from the mixer robot that is making my bread for me. Love it. Also, like all baking, consistency is everything…you don’t want the dough to wet or to dry, just a right stickiness.
The dough should be very manageable when you divide it into loaf shapes of your choosing….I personally love the look of a round loaf, it is so rustic and beautiful. Now is when you turn your oven on to 400 degrees and slide your bread in to RISE and BAKE in under 40 mins. Be sure to butter your sheet or pan. I can not give you an exact time how long it will take to bake because I have found it really depends on the oven. I will say, that I know when my bread is done when I can smell it (I sound like my g-ma, that is what she says about turning her fried chicken). Take a peek once you SMELL your bread and if it is golden on the top it is done. Roughly 30 minutes to bake.
Homemade bread is one of the most delicious ways to add comfort and simplicity to a home. It just feels good to recognize the ingredients in your food. This recipe calls for five ingredients…just flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and water!! Please try it, the bread’s milky flavor and hardy texture is perfect with any soup, toast, or jam spread all over it fresh out of the oven! Enjoy friends!
- 5 1/2 Cups Flour
- 2 Cups HOT tap water
- 3 Tbs sugar
- 3 packets (2 Tbs) dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Then add hot water and mix until dough all sticks together. Knead for 6-8 minutes.
- Arrange into loaves on a baking sheet and cut the tops for decoration.
- Place into oven and THEN turn oven on to 400F. Let the bread rise while the oven pre-heats, then once oven is heated, bake 40-50 minutes or until top is golden brown.
- Make sure not to pre-heat the oven until the loaves are inside.
- Use HOT tap water.
I just read this. I wish I had that recipe when I was baking bread. It looks yummy as well as easy. Love you guys always, gma