Who doesn’t love homemade bread? With all of the winter snow/ice mix predicted this week, I decided not to face the bread/egg/milk shopping craze and make it on my own.
This is one of those rare things that will make you feel like the queen of domesticity! But, trust me Mamas, this is going to be the easiest thing you will do today with the help of this MVP: the Bread Machine.
This is my classic White Bread recipe that I have tweaked over the years. It is a quick assembly, giving you just enough time to accomplish for your baby’s naptime. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 c and 1 T of warm water
- 1 large egg
- 4 1/2 t vegetable oil
- 3 1/4 c bread flour (make sure it is bread flour!)
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1 1/2 t salt
- 2 1/4 t instant yeast
Directions:
- Place all ingredients in the bread pan order recommended by the manufacturer. (For mine, it is all liquids first, dry ingredients, and yeast last.)
All of the ingredients dumped into the bread machine pan.
- Select the basic or white bread setting. Pick the 2 lb loaf size and the crust color option you prefer (I like light).
- Press start and go tend to your now waking baby.
It’s as easy as that. Your bread machine will beep when it is done (it’s a long process…mine takes 3.5 hours!). You let it cool about ten minutes. Your family will no doubt be circling the kitchen island from the amazing smell that has been permeating your home. For my family, it’s tradition to cut off a warm slice and spread on some butter, honey, and cinnamon. Mmhmm.
Let cool for 10 minutes.
Soon, you will be bombarded with wonder, “You took care of a baby and made homemade bread?!??” You nod. Yes. Yes, I did.
Finished product!
Recipe Variations:
- DINNER ROLLS. This also makes delectable dinner rolls. Follow the same ingredients. When you select the setting on your machine, chose Dough. Grease a 9″ x 13″ pan. Shape the dough into balls (makes about 15 or so). Let them rise in a warm place (about double the size). Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, until a nice golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter.
- GARLIC BREAD. After you have made the normal bread recipe, turn on your Broiler in your oven. Brush slices of the bread with butter, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Broil the bread for a couple minutes, until desired texture. So yummy, so quick!