A couple of weeks ago I guest posted over at One Dog Woof. I was lucky enough to be a part of her 'Party in my Tummy' series. Just in case you missed it, I thought I would post it here as well!
I must admit, instead of being in the kitchen I would MUCH rather be playing with the girlies or craftin. I do think my kids deserve some good homemade eats though (checkout our favorite oatmeal chocolate chip cookies) and I don't mind a baking day. I'm a huge fan of quantity, if I'm going to be making a dozen cookies I might as well make 8 dozen...especially since they freeze well. So with that in mind...
I thought I would share with you the bread recipe that I use on a regular bases, this recipe yields FOUR Loaves.
This recipe is in a cookbook that my grandma made me (my aunt's recipe) and it is marked 'good recipe for beginners'. So if you've never baked your own bread, nows your chance!
Here we go!
The Ingredient Line-up:
All Purpose Flour*
Whole Wheat Flour (Optional)*
1 Tablespoon Salt
1/2 cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Fast Rising Yeast
4 cups warm water
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
cooking spray, or something to grease the pans
* amount will vary for the flour. Total amount is usually around 8-11 cups. I usually do half all purpose and half whole wheat. In this post I will be using all all-purpose flour.
note: To make bread (or cookies) I use my Bosch mixer. But I'm sure any mixer would work the same(ex. Kitchenaid). You could do it by hand but it would not be as 'easy'.
Let's get started!
-Mix 4 cups flour with the salt and sugar; add yeast.
-Make a well (which is easier if the mixer is not in the middle of the bowl), add the water, beaten eggs, and oil.
-Mix really well and then add an additional 4 cups flour, mix again.
-Keep slowly adding flour until the dough is neither really sticky or stiff. (I usually poke with my finger if it comes out 99% clean, it's good. The stickier the dough is, the harder it is to work with. The stiffer the dough the denser the bread)
-Form the dough into a nice bun shape and place in a large bowl; cover with dish towel; let rise (it should triple the size) approx. 15-20 minutes.
-Once risen punch down. Cover, let rise again(20 min). punch down, cover, let rise (20 min).
-Meanwhile grease four loaf pans.
-After letting it rise in the bowl three times, seperate into four loaves and place them into the pans. Let rise again, this time for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350.
-Once they've risen, put them in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, until the crusts are golden brown. 
(My little helper telling me the stove is hot)
- When finished, let them cool on cooling racks, out of the pan.
-And the last step: cut yourself a slice and enjoy some of your warm homemade bread with some butter. Yum!
P.S. This bread freezes really well, I usually keep two loaves out to eat right away and throw two in the freezer!
I am no expert in the kitchen but if you have questions about any of the steps feel free to leave a comment below.
Thanks so much ChiWei for having me, I LOVE reading your blog and I am so glad I was able to contribute to your Party in my Tummy series!!
