American Bread

Ingredients:

Directions:

  • Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
  • Add the Wet Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the warm water and to the dry ingredients.
    • Mix and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.
  • First Rise:
    • Grease a bowl with sunflower oil and place the dough in it. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
    • Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Dough for Baking:
    • Punch down the dough to release the air.
    • Knead the dough briefly and then divide it into two equal parts.
    • Shape each part into a loaf and place them in greased rectangular loaf pans.
  • Second Rise:
    • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-40 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the top of the pans.
  • Bake the Bread:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
    • Brush the tops of the loaves with a mixture of milk and olive oil to help them brown and create a crispy crust.
    • Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Cool and Serve:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes.
    • Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Perfect for making sandwiches or toast.
  • Enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
  • Serve alongside soups or salads.

Cooking Tips:

  • Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • For a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean cloth while it cools.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Provides carbohydrates for energy.
  • Contains essential nutrients from yeast and flour.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian

Storage:

  • Store the bread in an at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
  • Soft, fluffy bread with a crispy crust.
  • Versatile and perfect for various uses.

Enjoy!

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