The recipe makes about 4 loaves that are the size you see here. It's a really good bread to have with homemade soups, stews, or chili. [I once made about 30 loaves for a home school coop "medieval feast". You know, the old sopping-up-with-bread-because-we-don't-have-utensils thing. That was fun.] This bread (as you'd expect) freezes really well.
Simple and Yummy Bread
You'll need:
- 6 c all-purpose flour
- 2 packages yeast (or 4 1/2 t)
- 2 T sugar
- 1 t salt
- 2 1/2 c water
- 2 T butter
- Heat the water and butter in a glass bowl (I use the microwave) to approx 120 degrees. (I use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.)
- Mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl with the dough hook attached.
- Add the heated water and butter to the mixer bowl.
- Knead the mixture for a couple of minutes until the dough comes together -- you might need to add a bit more flour but don't overdo it.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled.
- Punch down and form into loaves -- I divide the dough into 4 pieces and then roll each piece into a rope that I then tie into a knot (see photo). This makes a nice individual loaf. Place each knotted loaf onto a seasoned baking stone or lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise again for a bit.
- Bake in 400 degree oven until nicely browned, about 20-25 minutes for this size loaf.
