Effortless Homemade Goodness: Crafting Delicious Bread with Your Electric Mixer

 

 As the days unfold here in New Jersey, there's a certain comfort in the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. For many, the thought of making bread from scratch might seem like a daunting task involving vigorous kneading. However, I'm here to tell you that with the help of your trusty electric mixer, creating a beautiful and delicious loaf at home has never been easier!

Today, we're diving into a simple yet satisfying recipe for a versatile everyday bread. This recipe leverages the power of your stand mixer or hand mixer with dough hooks to take the hard work out of kneading, leaving you with more time to enjoy the incredible results.

Effortless Everyday Bread (Made with an Electric Mixer)

Yields: 1 standard loaf Prep time: 20 minutes Rise time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours Bake time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (around 105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1.   Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of your electric mixer, whisk together the flour and salt.

2.   Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

3.   Mix the Dough: Attach the dough hook to your electric mixer. Pour the yeast mixture and the melted butter into the bowl with the flour. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined.

4.   Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 6-8 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a smooth, slightly sticky ball. If the dough seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If using a hand mixer with dough hooks, be sure to move the mixer around the bowl to ensure even kneading.

5.   First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

6.   Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can form a simple oblong shape for a standard loaf pan or get creative with other shapes.

7.   Second Rise: Grease a standard loaf pan (approximately 9x5 inches). Place the shaped dough into the prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-60 minutes, or until it has noticeably increased in size (about 50-75%).

8.   Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before the end of the second rise.

9.   Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10.              Cool: Carefully remove the bread from the loaf pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This is crucial for achieving the best texture.

Tips and Variations:

• For a softer crust: Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after taking it out of the oven.
• Add flavor: Incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme (about 1-2 teaspoons) into the dry ingredients for an herb-infused loaf. You could also add a handful of raisins or nuts for a different texture and taste.
• Use different flours: Experiment with substituting up to 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Check for doneness: If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature of the baked bread should be around 200-210°F (93-99°C).

There's something truly special about the taste and smell of homemade bread. This recipe, made easier with the help of your electric mixer, allows you to experience that satisfaction without spending hours on manual kneading. So, dust off those dough hooks, gather your ingredients, and let the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread fill your home here in Ewing Township! Happy baking!