Even after 12 years, I cannot get used to the idea that we get snow in the Deep South. I mean, come on people, if you have to put up with 100 degree heat in the summer, you should not have to deal with 10 degree cold and snow and ice. If only I ran the universe...
So, it is cold, and icey, and snowing. And yesterday I shared a recipe for super easy bread with a friend. And today, I wanted a sandwich. And my store-bought bread was downstairs in the freezer. In Double Up logic, it seemed easier to bake bread than go down to the basement, so I made up a loaf of sandwich bread and a loaf of raisin bread for Mr. Double Up Farm (who believes all foods should include raisins).
It is only 62 degrees inside the house, so I had to use the oven for the rise.
And I probably could have let it rise a little more, but I was getting anxious (and lunchtime was approaching), so I popped it in to bake
I make a lot of bread, and have a lot of recipes. This is the easiest and fastest I have ever used, and the results are just great, although I cannot divide the dough evenly for love nor money!!
Quick Yeast Bread
Mix and set aside
1/2 cup of warm water
2 tablespoons of yeast
In a large mixing bowl
2 cups of hot water
1 tablespoon of salt
3 tablespoons of sweetener (agave syrup, honey, sugar)
1/3 cup of oil (olive, coconut, vegetable, melted butter) )
4 cups of flour (any kind)
Mix together and add
2 more cups of flour
the yeast mixture
Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes. It is important not to shorten the time. If you need to, add more flour to keep the dough from sticking to the work surface. (note - I often use my KitchenAid mixer and the dough hook unless I am feeling stressed and need to punch the dough for a while)
Shape the dough. If you're making loaves put them in greased loaf pans, for free form loaves, or rolls, a greased cookie sheet.
Let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place, covered with a damp kitchen towel while it rises.
Bake the loaves in 400* oven for 20-25 minutes. Bread should be golden brown on the top and have a hollow sound when you thump the loaf.