There's something so magical about the idea of baking homemade bread, right? I mean, who wouldn’t want to fill their home with the warm, yeasty aroma that just wraps you in the coziest hug? I can still remember the first time I attempted it—flour everywhere, a ridiculously sticky dough that seemed to have a life of its own, and my dog, Toby, eyeing me like I was the most ridiculous human ever. But in that glorious moment when I pulled a golden loaf from the oven, I felt like a champion. Isn’t it fascinating how a simple loaf can weave stories and comfort into our lives? I often find myself wondering, can anything truly beat the feeling of tearing into a fresh piece of bread, still steaming, slathered with butter? That’s the dream, isn’t it?
Items You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Dough Scraper
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Proofing Basket (Banneton)
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone
- Oven
- Bread Loaf Pan
- Kitchen Scale
- Silicon Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
- Pastry Brush
- Cooling Rack
- Kitchen Towel
- Digital Thermometer
- Ingredients (Flour, Yeast, Salt, Water)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Equipment
I start by collecting all my baking equipment. I grab my mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, my trusty wooden spoon, and my kitchen scale. It's like assembling my own baking task force!
Step 2: Measure Ingredients
Using my measuring cups and scale, I carefully measure 500g of flour, 10g of salt, and 7g of yeast. I also measure about 350ml of warm water. The aroma of the flour is already making me excited!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
I pour the flour, yeast, and salt into my mixing bowl. With my wooden spoon, I give it a good stir. I love this part, feeling the texture of the flour beneath my hands!
Step 4: Add Water
Now, I slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients. As the water meets the flour, I watch it all come together. This is the moment when magic starts to happen!
Step 5: Knead the Dough
I turn the mixture onto a floured surface and start kneading. I enjoy the rhythmic motion and the feeling of the dough changing texture. It’s a workout and therapy all in one!
Step 6: First Rise
After about 10 minutes of kneading, my dough is smooth and elastic. I shape it into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour. I can’t wait to see it double in size!
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, I gently punch it down to release the air. I turn it out onto the floured surface and shape it into a loaf. This is when I start to envision the beautiful bread that will soon be baking!
Step 8: Second Rise
I place my shaped dough in the proofing basket and cover it with a towel. It’s time for the second rise! I let it rise for another 30 minutes while I preheat my oven to 220°C (428°F).
Step 9: Prepare Baking Sheet
While my dough rising, I line my baking sheet with a silicon baking mat or parchment paper. It’s important to have everything ready to go!
Step 10: Score the Dough
After the second rise, I carefully turn my dough out onto the baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, I score the top of the loaf. It’s like giving my bread a little haircut before it hits the oven.
Step 11: Bake the Bread
I slide the baking sheet into the oven and set a timer for 25-30 minutes. The smell of bread starts wafting through my kitchen, and I feel like a baking superstar!
Step 12: Check for Doneness
With my digital thermometer, I check the internal temperature of the bread. It should be around 90°C (194°F). If it is, it's perfect! If not, I’ll let it bake a little longer.
Step 13: Cool the Bread
Once it’s done, I transfer the loaf to a cooling rack. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool down before slicing into it. The anticipation is part of the fun!
Step 14: Slice and Enjoy
Finally, the moment arrives. I slice the bread and spread some butter on a warm slice. The taste of homemade bread is unbeatable. I made this, and I can already imagine the smiles it will bring!