How to Make Easy Bread

Bread is a staple food for many people around the world. It is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. However, making bread can be time-consuming and difficult. This article will provide you with an easy bread recipe that anyone can follow.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
8. Place the loaf in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Tips

• Use fresh, warm water when dissolving the yeast.
• Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the bread.
• Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

FAQ

Q: Why does my bread not rise?

There are a few reasons why your bread might not rise. Here are some common causes:

* The yeast is old or inactive. Make sure to use fresh yeast when making bread. If you are not sure if your yeast is active, you can test it by adding a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of warm water to a small bowl. If the yeast bubbles and foams, it is active and ready to use.
* The water is too hot or too cold. The water you use to dissolve the yeast should be lukewarm. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. If the water is too cold, it will not activate the yeast.
* The dough is too dry or too wet. The dough should be moist but not sticky. If the dough is too dry, it will not rise properly. If the dough is too wet, it will be difficult to knead and will not rise properly.
* The dough is not kneaded enough. Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, which is necessary for the dough to rise. If the dough is not kneaded enough, it will not have enough gluten and will not rise properly.
* The dough is not allowed to rise long enough. The dough needs time to rise in order to develop the gluten and to produce the carbon dioxide that causes the bread to rise. If the dough is not allowed to rise long enough, it will not be light and fluffy.

Q: How can make my bread more flavorful?

There are a few ways to make your bread more flavorful. Here are some ideas:

* Add some herbs or spices to the dough. Some popular choices include rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and garlic.
* Add some nuts or seeds to the dough. Some popular choices include almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
* Add some dried fruit to the dough. Some popular choices include raisins, dried cranberries, dates, and figs.
* Brush the bread with melted butter or honey before baking.
* Sprinkle the bread