Fresh Bread

Today I baked bread for the first time by myself.
I have never been patient enough to spend the time, (unless with Mom or Grandma) to actually make bread before. But it was SOOOOO easy . I thought I 'd share the receipe, it's a great one to involve kids with. Change around and play with, next time I am going to mix whole grain flour with the white. Although it was decandent to eat White bread today.

The Receipe is 4 easy steps:

1.Put 1 cup of warm water plus one tablespoon sugar in a mixing bowl. Add two tablespoons of yeast (1 package). Let sit for about five minutes.
2. Add three cups of flour, 1 cup of milk, dash of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2-4 tablespoons of oil or melted (and cooled) margarine or shortening. Stir 50 times clockwise , and then 50 times counter-clockwise.
3. Add another 3 to 4 cups of flour and mix until the dough forms a good ball. Turn dough out of the bowl on to a floured surface and let it sit for ten minutes. Then, knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Let rise in a greased bowl for about an hour (it should double in size). Punch down the dough. Let it rise agin for 30 to 45 minutes. Divide into two equal parts and shape into loaves. Place in loaf pans and bake at 425 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.

It's so easy, try it.

We eat healthy for the most part, when I crave something like french fries or macaroni and cheese and now white bread I justify that I can have it , if I can make it. That way at least I know there aren't a bunch of preservatives and junk in it.