Simple Fresh Bread
Let’s get that bread! In delicious toast, roll or slice form, that is. Adapted from “Homesteading Monthly” - my new favorite magazine subscription - this bread recipe is super easy, delicious and can be transformed into any kind of bread you like!
Yields 2 loaves.
Ingredients:
*3 cups water (lukewarm, 120 degrees F/49 degrees C)
*1.5 tablespoons yeast
*1.5 tablespoons salt
*1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
*6.5 cups bread flour/all purpose flour (if using whole wheat/fresh ground flour, reduce flour to 5.5 cups & only increase if the dough is too wet & won’t shape)
Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Whisk together & allow to sit for 6-8 minutes until the water is foamy.
Add the salt & vinegar. Mix in flour 1 cup at a time until i't’s completely incorporated. The dough will. be slightly wet.
Cover your dough with a tea towel (you can also use a dish cloth) and set it in a draft-free warm place to rise for 2-3 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Once the dough his risen, keep it covered & place in the fridge for at least 8 hours.
To make the bread
Take 1/2 of the dough out of the bowl (it’s going to be wet, so flour your hands!) and shape it into the shape of your choice. Dust the top with flour & slash the middle with a sharp knife. Let sit for 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F/232 degrees C with a cast iron dutch oven inside.
Once the oven is preheated, remove the dutch oven & place the bread in & cover. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Remove the cover & bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden on top.
Let cool & enjoy!
(Note: No cast iron dutch oven? No problem! Place a metal broiling oven pan on the lowest rack. Place the loaf on a cookie sheet/baking stone and place in the oven. Quickly pour a cup of HOT water into the broiler pan & shut the oven. Bake for 45 minutes.)
To keep your bread fresh, store it in a linen bread bag & in a bread box! Check out my LTK shop for my favorites!
