Simple Yeast Bread
Ingredients
¾ cup warm water (about 110 degrees F)
2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
½ cup milk (I used 2%, also best at room temperature.)
3 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
In a bowl, add warm water and stir in yeast to dissolve in
the water. Stir in salt, sugar,
shortening, and milk to the yeast mixture.
Pour into the bowl of a stand mixer. (You could also mix yeast mixture in
stand mixer with paddle attachment.)
Add in flour ½ cup at a time while using the dough hook. Mix until dough comes together and
comes off the sides of the mixing bowl.
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead until the dough is soft and smooth, and no longer
sticky to the touch.
Place dough in a greased bowl (I used olive oil but you can
use butter too). Cover and let
rise for 1 hour.
Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Knead dough.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a bread pan.
Form dough into a loaf and place into pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Score dough by cutting 3 slashes across the top. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Turn bread out onto a cooling rack.
Cool completely before slicing.
Note: Freeze by
slicing and placing in a freezer bag.
Take slices out and defrost as needed.
Ellie was watching me from the dining room while I was baking. I am sure Buddy was sleeping on the couch instead :)