Tasty bread with milk

Delicious Milk Bread – a traditional recipe, full of flavor and aroma, that will bring back fond childhood memories when warm bread came out of the oven, filling the house with an irresistible scent. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enhance their home baking skills.

Total preparation time: 2 days
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Day 1: Preparing the Starter Dough

On the first day, we will prepare a simple mixture of flour and milk that will give the bread a soft texture and delicious taste. This step is essential, as the starter dough will ferment and develop deep flavors.

Ingredients for the Starter Dough:
- 25 g flour
- 125 ml warm milk

Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine 25 g of flour with 125 ml of warm milk (not hot, as it could kill the yeast). Mix well until there are no lumps.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. This fermentation time will help develop the flavor and texture of the bread.

Practical Tips:
- It is important that the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.
- If you want to add a personal touch, you can use almond or coconut milk for a different flavor.

Day 2: Preparing the Delicious Milk Bread

Once the starter dough has fermented, it's time to continue with the recipe and transform the ingredients into a fluffy and aromatic bread.

Ingredients for the Final Dough:
- 350 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon milk powder (optional)
- 55 g sugar (adjust to taste, I used 30 g)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 125 ml warm milk
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- The starter dough prepared on day 1
- 30 g melted butter (allowed to reach room temperature)

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine 350 g of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of milk powder (if using), and 55 g of sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well.
2. In another bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of dry yeast in 125 ml of warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on top.
3. Add the egg, the fermented starter dough, and the yeast mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well with a spatula or by hand until the dough begins to come together.
4. Add the melted butter and continue to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Practical Tips:
- To check if the dough has risen enough, gently press it with your finger. If the indentation remains, it is ready to use.
- You can add herbs or spices like rosemary, thyme, or cumin to the dough to customize the flavor of the bread.

Baking the Bread:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently knead it to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf or small rolls.
3. Place the shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it again and let it rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Final Note:
Let the bread cool on a rack before slicing. Serve it warm, alongside butter, jam, or cheese. This bread is also perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish to various main courses.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Try adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for a different texture and flavor.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm soup or stew. Additionally, a fragrant tea or a light white wine would perfectly complement the meal.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This bread has approximately 150 calories per slice, depending on the ingredients and serving size. Whole wheat flour, if used, provides fiber and essential nutrients, while milk adds calcium and protein.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, the bread can be frozen very well. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.

2. What can I use instead of dry yeast?
You can use fresh yeast, keeping in mind that 1 teaspoon of dry yeast is equivalent to 3 teaspoons of fresh yeast.

3. How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?
A simple trick is to check the color; the bread should be golden. Also, gently tap the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it is done.

Whether you are a beginner cook or a master baker, this delicious milk bread recipe is an excellent choice to bring joy to your kitchen. So, don’t hesitate, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process!