Homestead Recipes #5: Bread from Scratch

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There’s nothing better than a slice of home made bread, fresh out of the oven and slathered with butter.



What I love about this recipe is that there is a flexible resting period of from 10 minutes to 5 hours. This means that you can get it started and, then, carry on with life and not have to stay in the kitchen for half a day. I also think that it helps to break down components of the flour, but I have no science to back that up. 

The Basics 

  • 1 tbsp yeast (or one packet)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk (I used my freeze-dried milk) 
In a separate bowl (or pint jar) mix
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 3 tbsp lard (the hot water will help melt the lard)
Now mix the two together. 
Cover and let sit in a warm place for 10 minutes or 5 hours or any time in between 

The 2nd Flour Addition

About 3 hours before you want to eat the bread, add 3-4 more cups of flour and knead.

Note: I had freeze-dried some sourdough starter discard as an experiment and I used 1 cup of this powder as part of the flour addition. I think it added a unique flavour to the bread. I think.

After kneading, cover and let rise for an hour.

Then, divide in two; shape two loaves and put in loaf pans.
Cover and let sit for another hour.

Preheat oven to 400 F and cook at the high temperature for 10 minutes
Then lower the temperature to 350 F and cook for about 30 minutes, turning the loaves half way through.

Let rest before cutting.

Ok, let’s be honest - the first loaf? Slice it up. Eat that hot bread fresh out of the oven and slather on some butter. You can let that second loaf rest!
- Debbie


Shopping

These products are what I use and all opinions expressed here are my own. This list may contain affiliate links from which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
(I love these - food safe, convenient, stays on the bowls well)
(I love my measuring spoons.. I love all of my wooden spoons, modern ones and those inherited from my mom and grandmother)
(This is a new purchase. So far, so good)
(Cast iron is super for heat retention and will last a lifetime or more. Great investment.) 

a simpler life

I just made sourdough flatbread for the first time it was delicious 
That’s wonderful !!
First time flatbread or first time any bread?

a simpler life