My husbands exact words after his first bite, “Oh my god, Betty, this is fantastic! I’m actually hoping the kids don’t like theirs

This recipe is a perfect introduction to homemade bread baking. It’s simple to follow and results in a delicious and satisfying loaf.

Easy Homemade Bread

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. The water should be warm (around 110°F) but not too hot. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.

2. Mix the Dough:

   • Once the yeast is activated, add the salt to the yeast mixture.
   • Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You can use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
   • The dough will start to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Knead the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid over-flouring.

4. First Rise:

   • Place the kneaded dough in a large greased bowl. Cover it loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1½ hours, or until it doubles in size. The ideal temperature for rising is around 80°F.

5. Shape and Second Rise:

   • Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf.
   • Place each loaf in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
   • Cover the pans and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until the loaves rise above the edges of the pans.

6. Preheat and Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • Remove the bread from the oven and transfer the loaves from the pans to wire racks to cool.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

   • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
   • Slice and serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your homemade bread!