Bread- No Machine

I have been trying to look for a recipe which does not require the use of machine. I came across a bread recipe form Allrecipes.com and decided to try it. Quite a challenge here as it require making bread from scratch...no bread mix, no machine.. just flour yeast and hands ( to knead, of course).

I changed the recipe slightly. Instead of vegetable oil, I used olive oil. I also reduced the sugar from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup

My apartment smells of freshly baked bread now ... ;)

Ingredients :

• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 6 cups bread flour

Direction :

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam

2. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until mooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour

3. Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.


~bel~