I bake bread as a means of stress relief. And for fun. And for good eating. Here’s what I do, with some of the varieties I’ve tried. Hopefully you’ve baked some bread before, and if you haven’t, you should try. I’ll add full descriptions on how to do all the steps for the novice later, and maybe a video. For now, my basic recipe:

White Bread

• Melt, and combine, in pan over some heat:
  • 1/2 C. milk
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp sugar
• Meanwhile, in your mixer (I use a 5 qt Cuisinart), combine, and let rest for 5 minutes:
  • 1 1/2 C. very warm water (hot tap water usually, about 115F)
  • 2 packets dry yeast

Once the yeast has activated, and you have the dairy mixture cooled back to 120F (use a thermometer), start by adding 4-5 cups white flour to the water/yeast mix, then pour dairy mix on top.

Mix on low for a while, then on speed 2-3 for a few minutes until you get a nice dough. Add more flour (I usually max out at 5 1/2 C.) until you have the perfect amount.*

Place dough in greased bowl, cover for an hour or so, with a towel. Then, punch it down, divide in two, shape in to loaves, in to pans, cover and rest another hour. Bake 30 minutes at 400F. Enjoy!

* Perfect Dough Notes to come later…