I love grainy, seedy, dark breads. Pumpernickel is one of my favorites, especially in Germany!
Sometimes, however, you need a simple bread. If you're feeding a picky eater, a group of kids, or someone with a cold or flu and a sensitive stomach through that, sometimes a simple white bread is just what you need.
This recipe is a quick, easy, no-fail, and short rise time recipe for exactly that! I like to make it when someone has one of those sudden flu onsets. You can start it when they head off for a nap and be done by the time they're ready for some chicken soup (or the vegetarian equivalent) and plain buttered bread.
Enjoy!
Quick and Easy White Bread
Makes 2 small loaves
Dough:
* 1 c. warm water
* 1 Tbsp. white sugar
* 1.5 tsp. active dry yeast
* 3 c. bread flour
* 1 tsp. salt
Wash:
* 1 egg white
* 1 Tbsp. water
1) Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until very foamy.
2) Gradually mix in the flour and salt with a heavy wooden spoon. This dough is a stickier dough than many breads, so you may find that it is too sticky to knead and simply beating it with a heavy wooden spoon works better. Do that vigorously for 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3) Place the dough in an oiled bowl and let rise, covered, in a warm place for one hour, or until doubled.
4) Deflate the dough and divide into two even pieces. On a floured surface, roll out into two 8"x12" rectangles. Roll each square up, starting at a 12" side, and taper the edges. Place the loafs seam down on a greased and floured baking sheet with plenty of space between them. Cut slashes on the tops of the loaves.
5) Whisk together the egg whites and water in a small bowl. Brush the egg white wash over the tops of each loaf.
6) Preheat an oven to 425F (220C) and put a tray full of boiling water on the lower rack of the oven.
7) Bake the bread for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove the tray of boiling water and bake the bread for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are a light golden brown. Don't overbake!
8) Cool the loaves on wire racks.
Enjoy!
What do you like to eat when you're sick?
Posts
{ 0 } comments... read them below or add one
Post a Comment
Please say hello, leave your comments, or answer my questions! It makes me smile when you leave me a note :) I read every single one of them and it makes my day when you guys say hi!