Mix Flour with Water and Milk and You’ll Thank My Grandmother for the Recipe: Bread Baking Guide
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, reminiscent of childhood memories and family gatherings. Today, we’re going to uncover the magic behind my grandmother’s cherished recipe for butter bread. From mixing the simplest of ingredients to savoring the final product, this journey promises to delight your senses and warm your heart.
Ingredients
To embark on our butter bread adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3/4 cup hot milk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 7 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sunflower seed oil
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 6 cups wheat flour
- to taste: butter
3. Mixing the Ingredients
Let’s kickstart our bread-making journey by mixing the key ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine warm water, hot milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Use a whisk to blend them seamlessly. As you pour in the sunflower seed oil and salt, keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and velvety.
4. Kneading the Dough
Now comes the satisfying part—kneading the dough! Gradually sift the wheat flour into the bowl, stirring with a wooden spoon. When it becomes too thick, it’s time to get your hands in the dough. Transfer it onto a wooden pastry board and knead vigorously until it transforms into a smooth, elastic dough.
5. Shaping the Loaves
Divide the dough into 10 equal parts, shaping each into a loaf. Grease your hands with sunflower oil and coat each loaf generously. Place a small portion of butter on top of each, spreading it evenly. Using your fingers, widen the loaves into discs and fold the edges towards the center. Roll them into cylinders and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Letting the Dough Rise
Cover the loaves with a clean cloth and let them rest for 15 minutes. This allows the dough to rise, creating fluffy and airy bread. During this time, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for baking.
7. Preparing for Baking
Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the loaves using a kitchen brush. Make light incisions on the surface of the dough for that classic artisanal look. Then, place the tray in the preheated oven and let the magic happen.
8. Baking the Bread
Allow the bread to bake for approximately 25 minutes until it turns golden brown and emits a heavenly aroma. Once baked to perfection, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool slightly before indulging in their warm goodness.
9. Enjoying the Homemade Bliss
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created homemade butter bread that’s bound to impress. Slice into the pillowy softness and savor each bite with a generous smear of butter. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, this bread is sure to become a household favorite.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, baking butter bread is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating cherished memories and flavors that linger long after the last crumb is gone. Channel your inner baker, gather your loved ones, and embark on this culinary adventure together. From kneading dough to breaking bread, every step is a testament to the joy of homemade baking.