Homemade Bread

We usually make this in the bread maker but I decided to have the little ones help me to make it by hand.

It is nothing big, the bread just looked so good.  I thought that I would inspire a few of you to make some homemade bread for your family for dinner tonight.

You know it looks good!  We even buttered the top.  Don’t be afraid of homemade bread like I was for years.  It really is so easy.


White or Wheat Bread
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup oil (you can use anything you like, I have tried many)
1/3 cup brown sugar or honey (both work great)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water

*Stir until dissolved*

3 cups flour (for wheat bread use 1-3 cups wheat flour and the rest white flour for a total of 3 cups)
1 heaping Tablespoon Yeast (For a yeast tip go here)

*Use spoon and stir till flour is all mixed in.*

3-4 cups flour
*add each cup slowly until you have smooth, elastic dough.  Knead several minutes(about 5 minutes).  Cover with a light dish towel and let rise till double (around 30-40 minutes). 
 Work down the dough and let rise till double again. (around 30-40 minutes, I have skipped this step, but the bread comes out better if you do it). 
 Shape into two leaves and put into greased pans (Crisco works best).  Poke fork into each loaf to get rid of extra air pockets.  Cover and let rise till double (30-40 minutes).
  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-28 minutes.  Bread is done when you tap on the bread and it sounds hollow.  Remove from pans immediately and lightly(or not lightly) grease the tops with butter.
  Cool around 30 minutes. At this point you can even freeze them in freezer bags if you would like for use later.*

I hope that you give it a try.  It really is very simple.  Also, I again use this recipe in the bread maker.  Hand made does taste best.
Jeannie