My family loves home made bread. I love making bread. When I say I love making bread I mean by hand not by machine. I do have a bread machine and I used it when I worked a full time job. I really enjoy the kneading process most. Here is the basic recipe I use often. This can be used to make a loaf of bread, dinner rolls or bread sticks.
My little helper.
Basic White Bread
3 cups of white flour(or bread flour) plus a little extra for kneading
1 package of active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup warm water
1 small egg
In a small bowl dissolve sugar in the warm water, add yeast and allow to proof. (foam)
Mix flour and salt together. Add oil and yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until dough pulls off the side of the bowl. Add a dusting of flour if sticky. If the dough is stiff or dry add a few drops of warm water.
Knead until dough is smooth on the surface.
Place in a well oiled bowl. Rolling the dough over until all sides of dough are oiled. Cover with a damp towel. Keep out of drafts. Allow to rise until double in size. 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Remove from bowl and knead for a couple minutes. Divide and shape dough as you like. Place in a well oiled pan. Brush with beaten egg yolk. Allow to rise about 30 minutes.
Bake 30 minutes in a 350 degrees F oven.
