Homemade bread

Homemade Bread – Treat Yourself to an Unforgettable Culinary Experience

There's nothing more delightful than the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the home with a warm and comforting scent. Homemade bread is a symbol of tradition and love for cooking. It not only enhances meals but also creates unforgettable memories around the table. In this guide, I will walk you step by step through the process of making delicious bread with a perfect texture and a golden crust. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a real bakery!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including rising)
Number of servings: 9

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650 for a softer bread)
- 200 ml milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 50 ml warm water
- 1 egg (plus 1 egg for glazing)
- 60 g butter (lightly melted in a bain-marie or oven)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- Sesame and poppy seeds (for decoration)

Practical tip: Choose quality ingredients, as they can significantly influence the final taste of the bread. Try to use fresh flour and whole milk for a richer texture.

Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, place the packet of dry yeast and rub it with a tablespoon of sugar. The sugar will help the yeast activate faster. Add 100 ml of warm milk (not hot!) and stir gently. Let the mixture rise for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step to ensure fluffy bread.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a larger bowl, combine 500 g of flour, 50 ml of warm water, the remaining milk (100 ml), melted butter, and the activated yeast. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything with a spatula or wooden spoon until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Personal tip: If you feel the dough is too sticky, don't hesitate to add a few tablespoons of flour, but do it gradually to avoid making the dough too dense.

Step 3: Kneading the dough
Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process helps develop the gluten, essential for the bread's texture.

Step 4: Shaping and rising
Divide the dough into 9 portions, one of which will be slightly larger – this will become the center of your "daisies." Roll each portion in your hands to form small balls. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming a flower. Cover the tray with a clean towel and let it rise for 50 minutes in a warm place away from drafts.

Helpful tip: You can preheat the oven to 50 degrees Celsius, then turn it off and place the tray inside for optimal rising.

Step 5: Preparing for baking
After the dough has risen, beat an egg in a small bowl and lightly brush it over the bread. Sprinkle sesame and poppy seeds for an attractive look and added flavor.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the bread for about 50 minutes. After 40 minutes, you can brush the bread again with egg and increase the oven temperature to achieve a delicious golden crust.

Checking doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is well baked; if it comes out clean, then the bread is ready.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack. It is recommended to serve it warm, immediately after baking, but you can keep it in a paper bag to maintain freshness.

Personal tip: Homemade bread pairs perfectly with fresh butter, fruit jams, or cheese, but you can also use it for delicious sandwiches.

Nutritional benefits: Homemade bread is a healthy option because you can control the ingredients. Whole grain flour, for example, is rich in fiber, and the fact that it contains no preservatives or artificial additives makes it much healthier than the commercial version.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Why choose homemade bread?
Homemade bread is not only tastier but also healthier, as you can control the ingredients and avoid additives.

2. Can I use whole grain flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole grain flour for a richer taste and more fiber.

3. How can I flavor the bread?
Add spices like garlic powder, oregano, or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.

Whether you prepare it for a family meal or to impress your friends, this homemade bread recipe will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy this creative process and feel the satisfaction of savoring bread made with your own hands!