Bread - Basic white Bread Dough

Basic “easiest method” BREAD- this is a basic bread mix you could add any flavour you fancy, try some of the suggestions below

Preparation time: 20 + resting time   Quantity: Makes 12 slices   Cooking time: 20 - 30 minutes

Ingredients

275g/ 10 oz sifted plain flour (or specialty bread or strong flour)

1/6 teaspoon salt op- a few twists of pepper

20g/ 1/2 oz butter or 1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon honey or pinch of sugar

3g or 1/2 sachet dried yeast

1/4 pint warm water

Flavours -
Add your favorite flavours during kneading- i.e.
. Cheese – grated or chunks of blue etc.
. Grated carrot, courgette or apple
. Raisins or other chopped dried fruits
. Seeds or grains
. Herbs –coriander, parsley, sage,lavender etc.
. Sun dried tomatoes or olives
. Sautéed onions, bacon, ham etc.
. Cooked and chopped mushrooms
. Chilli, garlic and /or garlic, curry Spices etc.

Method

  • Mix all the ingredients (apart from the water) together in a large bowl
  • Pour in 1/4 pint warm water ( 1/3 kettle and 2/3 cold tap)
  • Mix together until you form a dough
  • Turn out on to a clean surface
  • Kneed by hand for 10 –12 minutes (until it springs back)
  • Mould in to shape or fill in to a loaf tin
  • Egg wash, or brush with milk or dust with flour
  • You could also sprinkle with seed
  • Leave in a warm place covered with a clean damp cloth
  • Leave until doubled in size
  • Cook in a pre heated oven gas 7/ 220 c for 20 - 30 minutes
  • Test by tapping the bottom? And the golden colour !!!