There is nothing like the smell of baked homemade bread wafting through the house. It's got that 'I love you' kind of smell.
Some of us are not fortunate enough to have bread-makers. Mainly those of us living outside the country whom can't really transport them back to say, France.
So we have to tough if out like our grandmothers did: knead it, let it rise... and get our hands just a little more that dirty.
But this is when you really feel like you're cooking.
If you are looking for a melt-in-your-mouth bread recipe that doesn't require any extra appliances, then look no further.
The following recipe is a family favorite, one that has been passed down from one West Virginia generation to the next. I still have fond memories of my grandmother baking up loaves of this heavenly food and letting me get the first warm nibble slathered with butter.
This homemade bread makes it to all of our holiday tables, making the time needed to prepare it worth the hassle.
Though I live just five houses down from my (French) baker where the first fresh loaves of baguettes and croissants are a way of life, no baker can beat this bread.
Also, this bread freezes well so you can make them in advance and thaw them when desired. A plus in the rush of the holidays.
Adding this recipe to your holiday season will be the best present you can offer them. So take a few minutes to whip the dough. Let it rise while you write your Christmas cards then slip it in the oven and bake. And stand ready with butter and knife in hand when it comes out. You won't regret it. Thanks Grandma!
Never-Fail Homemade Bread Recipe
Actually, this bread doesn't require any kneading so the preparation of the dough is quite simple. It needs a fair amount of time to rise but less than an hour to bake.
1 pkg. (baker's) yeast ¼ cup (60 ml) water, lukewarm 1 ½ tablespoons Crisco or vegetable fat 1 teaspoon salt ¾ cup (130 g) sugar 2 cups (500 ml) boiling water 5-6 cups flour 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 l)
Combine yeast and ¼ cup water; let stand until dissolved (approximately 15 min.). In large bowl combine Crisco, salt, sugar and boiling water. Mix together and let cool. Stir in yeast mixture.
Add flour in increments, working flour in with hand, until dough is stiff. Form dough into ball. Grease a large bowl, add dough, grease top of dough and let rise covered with a towel until double in size (approximately two hours).
Divide dough into two equal balls. Grease a loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.
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