Fresh, tasty, easy bread!

Blergh so I'm off work sick today and I feel awful but one good thing has come of it, I've discovered a program called cupcake wars on the food network! and its awesome! Cupcakes have to be one of my favourite things to make just because they're so versatile, you can be so creative with them and make them look so pretty. So I'm thinking of some new cupcake ideas for me to try next week now, so keep an eye on the blog for updates.

Any way, as I mentioned in the last blog I'd been bread baking. This is quite a new thing in my house and it's quickly become a little bit of an obsession. Boyfriend even made his own loaf which turned out lovely.

I've made bread before in the past but they've always been more complex tearing type loaves flavoured with cheese and herbs etc. This time I really just wanted a great everyday bread that can be made relatively quickly and easily and can be used as a replacement for the everyday loaf bought at the supermarket for sandwiches, toast etc.

So instead of buying a loaf at the supermarket why don't you give this a go, Its cheap as it only uses a few ingredients, easy, relatively quick, tasty and hey doesn't everyone just love the smell of freshly baked bread!

Yes I'm totally rubbish at slicing bread.

So here's how it's made

500g all purpose flour (or substitute 125g for whole grain flour for brown bread)
1 packet (7g) instant easy bake yeast
1tsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1tbsp vegetable oil
300ml warm water (1 part boiling to 2 parts cold)
2lb Loaf tin

In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Mix oil together with the water. Make a large well  in the dry ingredients and pour in water. Mix this together till all the ingredients are bound together.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 -10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. shape the dough and place into a 2lb loaf tin, loosely cover with a clean tea towel and leave in a warm place until doubled in size (45 mins - 1 hour)  While the dough is rising preheat the oven to 200C

Once risen, bake in the centre of the oven for about 30 - 35 minutes, until the loaf is golden on top. The bottom of the loaf should sould hollow when tapped.

Leave to cool.

And that's it! easy!

don't have a loaf tin? I made a little dough into bread rolls.

These were perfect for lunch rolls. They take a little less time in the oven, about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of roll, or when the tops are golden.

This recipe may seem like something really simple and plain for me to do but I can't explain how much satisfaction comes with baking bread there's something so homely and rewarding about it and the smell is just amazing. Boyfriend gave his loaf to his mum and dad while it was still warm and I've never seen anyone so happy and impressed to get a loaf of bread hehehe.

Bye for now!

Cupcake Kris