There is nothing like a good homemade, fresh out of the oven, baked loaf of bread! Besides growing your own fruit and veg, baking is perhaps the best way to stay healthy and save money at the same time. Baking is also something the whole family are able to participate in; it is simple and once you get the hang of it you’ll be attempting to bake every type of bread under the sun, from plain, wholemeal, multigrain to seeded or granary bread.
The easiest type of bread to bake is plain. Follow these simple instructions and by the end of the process, you should have yourself a good old loaf of bread that’ll feed the family for at least a few days!
- In a bowl, add ¾ tablespoon of water and 1 packet of dry active yeast, and mix until dissolved.
- Add 1tsp of salt, 1-1/2 tsp of sugar, 1tbsp of vegetable shortening, and ½ a cup of milk and stir in well.
- Mix in two cups of flour. The dough should chase the spoon around the bowl; if it doesn’t, add more flour in small amounts until it is at the ideal consistency.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead, adding small teaspoons of flour as needed, until the dough is soft and smooth (and not sticky).
- Put the dough in an oiled or buttered bowl and turn over so all of it is greased.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour.
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F/ Gas mark 5.
- Take the dough out and knead, then put into a greased bread tin. Cover with a damp tea towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Score the bread with a sharp knife 3 or 4 times, put it in the oven and let it bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.
10. Turn out the bread and let it cool.