Country White Bread

About a week or so again, I casually mentioned to my mom that I would like to get back into making homemade bread. Not only is the flavor so much tastier, but I also like knowing exactly what is in the bread and being able to play around with different varieties. My mom had a bread machine she wasnt using, so she let me bring it home to use. I have to tell you, it is now one of my most favorite kitchen appliances. I don’t think people understand how easy making bread in a machine can be. I literally spend about 5 minutes throwing the ingredients together, and about 3 1/2 hours later, I have a warm, fresh, loaf of bread coming out of the machine. My entire family loves it and I typically have it with dinner, and then use a piece as toast in the morning!! 

Since I am only about 1-2 weeks into my baking fun, this will be a new journey for me. I have started with basic recipes and will gradually work up to harder things such as new types of rolls, cinnamon rolls, different bread flavors, and more. I put a post on Facebook asking if people would be interested in new recipes, and several of you responded yes. A few of you said you were new at your machine like I am. How exciting!! Feel free to message or comment to us if you ever have any questions or new recipes for us!! 🙂

This first recipe is a white bread. It uses milk instead of water, which gives it a slightly crispier crust. This was great with our chicken chili the other night, and then again the next day with some jelly on top!!

Ingredients: (I always make 1 1/2 lb loafs, but I have included both sizes for your preference)

1 1/2 Pound Loaf:

1 1/4 cup water
2 tbsp butter or margarine
3 1/3 cups bread flour
2 tbsp dry milk
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp active dry yeast OR 1 1/2 tsp bread machine/fast rise yeast

2 Pound Loaf:

1 1/2 cup water
2 tbsp butter or margarine
4 cups bread flour
2 tbsp dry milk
2 1/2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast OR 2 tsp bread machine/fast rise yeast

Directions:

Add the liquid ingredients to your pan (water). Next, cut your butter into tablespoons so you have two pieces. Place one tablespoon on each side of the pan, in the water. This helps it to melt and mix into the dough evenly. Measure and pour the bread flour on top. Sprinkle the dry milk, sugar, and salt next. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and carefully add the yeast to the well. Lock your pan into your machine and program the correct settings. For my machine, I use the basic setting, medium color, and no time delay. Make sure you select your loaf size according to which size you chose (1 1/2 or 2 lb). Once set, close the bread machine door, press start or on and let your machine go to work. Once it is baked, you may open the bread machine and carefully remove the pan using an oven glove. Place on a cutting board to cut, or allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container! Enjoy!!