Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Two loaf pans
- Towel
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 Cups of Warm Water
- 2/3 Cup Honey
- 1 3/4 Tablespoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt
- 6 Cups Bread Flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm water and honey until the honey is dissolved. Add the yeast, and cover the bowl with a towel.
- After about 10-20 minutes, the mixture should look delightfully frothy.
- Mix in the salt, and then add the bread flour one cup at a time. Use the whisk for the first three cups and then switch to a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for the last three cups.
- Add a little extra flour to your hands and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, right in the large mixing bowl to keep your counter cleaner. Place the kneaded dough in a large, greased bowl and cover with the towel.
- After an hour, your dough should have risen significantly.
- Punch the dough down and knead again for a couple of minutes. Divide it into two lightly greased loaf pans and cover with your towel once more.
- After allowing the dough to rise for 30 minutes in the loaf pans, bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 30-35 minutes.
- Note: While many bread recipes use an oven temperature of 350°F, 325°F works better if you’re using honey.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Be patient with the rising process; it’s key to achieving a fluffy texture.
- Kneading the dough in the bowl not only saves clean-up time but also keeps the dough from sticking too much.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a different flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. You can also sprinkle some seeds on top before baking for added texture.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sugar: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour will give you a better texture due to its higher protein content.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?
If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10-20 minutes of sitting in the warm water and honey mixture, it might be dead. In that case, try again with fresher yeast.
Can I freeze the bread?
Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing. It will keep well for up to three months.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy homemade bread recipe that’s both simple and rewarding. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking your own bread. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you try in the comments. Happy baking!
Enjoy!