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White sandwich bread

 Making bread is a rewarding process, and it’s quite straightforward! Here’s a basic recipe for a simple loaf of bread:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can use bread flour for a chewier texture)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for a softer crumb)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Yeast:

    • In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
    • Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t froth, the yeast might be old or the water too hot or cold; you may need to start over.

  2. Mix the Dough:

    • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
    • Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
    • Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a ball.

  3. Knead the Dough:

    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
    • Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour on it as needed.

  4. First Rise:

    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the top with oil.
    • Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap.
    • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

  5. Shape the Loaf:

    • Punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
    • Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can either shape it into a rectangle and place it in a greased loaf pan or shape it into a round loaf for a free-form approach.

  6. Second Rise:

    • Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into the greased loaf pan.
    • Cover with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.

  7. Preheat the Oven:

    • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  8. Bake the Bread:

    • Once the dough has risen, you can optionally make a few slashes on the top with a sharp knife or razor blade for decorative effect.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

  9. Cool the Bread:

    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade bread fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite toppings!

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