There is something truly special about the smell of homemade bread baking in the oven. The aroma fills your home, creating a sense of warmth and comfort that is unbeatable. If you have never made bread from scratch before, now is the perfect time to try it out. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create delicious, homemade bread that will impress your family and friends.
One of the key ingredients in making homemade bread is active dry yeast. Yeast is a living organism that is responsible for the rising of the bread. When mixed with warm water, yeast becomes activated and begins to ferment, producing carbon dioxide gas that causes the dough to rise and become fluffy. Active dry yeast is a common type of yeast that is used in many bread recipes. It can be found in most grocery stores and is relatively easy to work with.
To make homemade bread with active dry yeast, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast
– 1 1/4 cups of warm water (between 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit)
– 1 tbsp of sugar
– 3 cups of bread flour
– 1 tsp of salt
– 1 tbsp of olive oil
To begin, dissolve the sugar in the warm water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Making homemade bread with active dry yeast may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you will soon become a pro. Experiment with different flavors and additions, such as herbs, seeds, or nuts, to create unique and delicious bread varieties. Once you have mastered the art of making bread from scratch, you will never want to go back to store-bought bread again. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and start baking your own homemade bread today. Your taste buds will thank you!
