Homemade bread is such a treat, it's worth it to set aside the time to make it. The key to baking bread is mixing the ingredients in a particular order. Kneading the dough by hand can also be quite a stress reliever.
Instructions
1. Read completely through the recipe before beginning. Assemble the ingredients and equipment and preheat the oven.
2. Proof the yeast. Warm the water about 1 minute in the microwave until the water is 110 degrees F. Measure the temperature with a quick-read thermometer. Pour the water into a bowl, add the yeast and sugar or honey, and stir well. Let the yeast mixture sit, or "proof," for 10 minutes until a foam develops.
3. Measure all the ingredients while the yeast is proofing. Allow all ingredients to come to room temperature before combining them.
4. Place the proofed yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, honey, salt and oil. Measure the oil right over the bowl, any drips can fall into the bowl.
5. Add 3 cups of the flour. Use the mixing paddle attachment and stir the ingredients together. Start slowly which gives the flour a chance to combine with the liquid ingredients.
6. Continue mixing the dough for about 5 it's even and smooth. Add a cup of flour to the dough and turn the mixer on slow to combine the flour, then add another cup of flour. Use a dish towel or plastic bag over the mixing bowl to prevent flour from escaping.
7. When the dough is heavy and difficult to mix, remove the mixing paddle and replace it with the dough hook to knead the dough. Make small additions of flour if the dough appears sticky.
Tags: flour dough, into bowl, minutes until, mixing bowl, mixing paddle