Hotel Management Class Notes 42

Making homemade bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and aroma. Here’s a straightforward recipe for a classic loaf of bread.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups (plus extra for dusting)
• Water: 1 ½ cups (warm, about 110°F or 43°C)
• Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet of active dry yeast)
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Loaf pan
• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Combine Water and Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to mix evenly.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil (if using).
3. Stir the Mixture: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until a rough dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can test its readiness by pressing a finger into the dough; it should spring back.
2. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air.
2. Shape: Transfer the dough back to the floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To do this, flatten it into a rectangle, then roll it tightly from one long side to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
3. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease a loaf pan and place the shaped dough inside.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover: Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it puffs up.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
3. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving

Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it with butter, jams, or as part of a sandwich. Homemade bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

Tips

• Variations: Experiment by adding herbs, seeds, or nuts for added flavor.
• Storage: Wrap leftover bread in plastic or foil and store in a cool, dry place.

Making bread is not only about following a recipe; it’s about enjoying the process. Happy baking!