I have been watching the great British bake off for the past few weeks. I've seen six seasons in only a few weeks. The hardest week everyone either seems to dread or are most excited about, would be bread week. So I had to give it a try right? A good heart felt try, to see if my bread could own up to Mr. Paul Hollywood's bread. I have yet to find out, I don't know the man, I've never had his bread.
An easy loaf is a good start right? I got the recipe here.
First off is to dissolve a packet of Active yeast and 1/4 teaspoon sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water.
An easy loaf is a good start right? I got the recipe here.
First off is to dissolve a packet of Active yeast and 1/4 teaspoon sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water.
In a different bowl, mix 1 cup hot water, 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 tablespoon salt, and 1/4 cup of oil.
Mix in 1 1/2 cup of flour. Mix well, I used a dough hook.
Add in yeast mixture and mix well.
Add in 1 1/2 cup of flour and mix extra good. Your dough will be sticky. The more you mix the better the glucose in the flour will bind, creating a tougher dough. (Don't quote me on that.) If you are not using a dough hook, kneed dough till you can form a fairly round free standing ball of dough. It will still be sticky.
Let prove, or raise for 1 hour in a dark warm area. I use my pantry.
After an hour pull it out of the pantry, it should have raised a little less than double the size.
Split the dough in two parts.
Roll out the dough a little, then roll it like a jelly roll.
Tuck under the sides with the seam facing down.
Slice the top of the dough a few inches apart at a diagonal.
Place on a baking tray with a silicone mat or on parchment paper, cover and let prove (raise) for another 30 minutes in a dark warm area.
Once your dough has risen again, brush over the dough in egg whites.
Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. You will know when it is done when there is a hollow sound if you knock on the bottom of the bread.
Let the roll cool, and enjoy.
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