White Bread
Delicious White Bread Recipe - Perfect for Any Meal
Introduction
White bread is a classic staple in many households, loved for its soft texture and versatile uses. This recipe for homemade white bread is simple and delicious, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own.
History
White bread has been a dietary staple for centuries, with variations of the recipe dating back to ancient civilizations. The modern version of white bread, made with refined flour, sugar, and yeast, became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the advent of industrialized baking processes.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and 1 tsp of sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt, shortening, 0.5 cup of sugar, water, and yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Add 5 cups of flour and beat with an electric mixer for 3 minutes.
- Stir in 6 cups of flour by hand.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once. Cover and let it rise for 0.5 hour.
- Punch down the dough, turn it over, and let it rise again until doubled in size.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes, then shape it into 4 loaves and place them in greased 9"x5" loaf pans.
- Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 – 35 minutes.
- If desired, brush the tops of the loaves with margarine.
Variations
- Add herbs or spices to the dough for a savory twist.
- Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Mix in seeds or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure the water used to dissolve the yeast is warm, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
- Kneading the dough is essential to develop gluten and create a light, airy texture in the bread.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure a good rise.
- Brushing the tops of the loaves with margarine after baking adds a glossy finish and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
White bread is delicious served warm with butter or jam, used for sandwiches, or toasted with avocado and eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough and allowing it to rise are key techniques in making white bread. These steps help develop gluten and create a light, airy texture in the finished loaf.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have shortening, you can use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute. Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Make Ahead Tips
The dough for white bread can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for a slower rise. Simply shape the loaves and allow them to rise before baking.
Presentation Ideas
White bread can be sliced and arranged on a platter with a variety of toppings for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or seeds for added visual appeal.
Pairing Recommendations
White bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to grilled meats and cheeses. It also makes a great base for sandwiches and toast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store white bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or oven until warm and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of white bread contains approximately 150 calories, making it a moderate calorie option for a meal or snack.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of white bread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy for the body.
Fats
There is a small amount of fat in white bread, with each serving containing around 2 grams.
Proteins
White bread contains about 5 grams of protein per serving, contributing to muscle growth and repair.
Vitamins and minerals
White bread is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, but it does contain small amounts of iron and B vitamins.
Alergens
This recipe contains wheat flour, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before consuming.
Summary
White bread is a moderate source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, providing a quick and convenient option for a meal or snack.
Summary
Homemade white bread is a classic recipe that is easy to make and delicious to enjoy. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a fresh loaf of bread that is perfect for any occasion.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through an old box of recipes that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed and tattered pages, my eyes fell upon a worn piece of paper with the title "White Bread" scrawled across the top in fading ink.
I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. This was a recipe that had been in my family for generations, handed down from mother to daughter for as long as anyone could remember. I knew that I had to try my hand at making it, to carry on the tradition and honor the legacy of those who had come before me.
The recipe called for simple ingredients - flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water. But it was the method that intrigued me the most. The detailed instructions on how to knead the dough, let it rise, and bake it to perfection were like a roadmap to creating the most delicious and comforting bread I had ever tasted.
I set to work immediately, gathering the ingredients and carefully measuring each one out. As I mixed the dough together, I could feel the connection to my ancestors growing stronger with each turn of the spoon. The familiar scent of yeast and flour filled the air, transporting me back to my childhood and the countless hours I had spent in the kitchen with my own mother, learning the art of baking from her skilled hands.
As I kneaded the dough, I could feel the stress and worries of the day melting away. There was something therapeutic about the rhythmic motion of my hands working the dough, the soft and pliable texture under my fingers. I closed my eyes and let myself be enveloped in the moment, a sense of peace washing over me like a warm embrace.
After letting the dough rise and shaping it into loaves, I carefully placed them in the oven and waited anxiously for the timer to ding. The anticipation was almost unbearable, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen and making my mouth water in anticipation.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I pulled the loaves out of the oven, their golden crusts glistening in the light. I couldn't wait any longer - I sliced into one of the loaves and took a bite, the soft and fluffy texture of the bread melting in my mouth. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect combination of sweetness and saltiness that made my taste buds sing with delight.
As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring each bite of the warm bread, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. This recipe was more than just a piece of paper - it was a link to my past, a connection to the women who had come before me and who had passed down their knowledge and love through the simple act of baking bread.
And as I finished the last crumb of that delicious loaf, I knew that I would continue to make this recipe for years to come, honoring my heritage and creating new memories to pass down to future generations. The recipe for White Bread had become more than just a recipe - it was a part of who I was, a reminder of where I came from and the traditions that shaped me into the person I am today.
Categories
| Bread Recipes | Yeast Recipes |