Fluffy bread

Fluffy Homemade Bread: An Irresistible Delicacy

Who doesn't love the aroma of fresh bread, just out of the oven? This fluffy bread recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a warm meal or with a touch of butter and jam at breakfast. Moreover, baking bread at home is an activity that brings joy and satisfaction, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (approximately)
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 450-500 g wheat flour (preferably type 000 or type 650)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 200 ml milk (heated)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 eggs (1 for the dough and 1 for brushing the bread)
- 2 tablespoons margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 50 ml lukewarm water

Step by Step: Making Fluffy Bread

1. Preparing the Yeast: Start by warming the milk, ensuring it is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. In a small container, combine 100 ml of the warm milk with the fresh yeast and the teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until frothy. This step is essential for activating the yeast, so don't skip it!

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the flour and add the yeast mixture. Add the salt, the two eggs, melted margarine (or butter), and oil. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous dough.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!

4. First Rising: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the Bread: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface and divide it into 7 equal pieces. Form a larger ball that you will place in the center. Arrange the smaller balls in a flower shape on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Second Rising: Let the bread rise again for 20 minutes, covered, to puff up and become fluffy.

7. Brushing the Bread: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and brush it over the bread. This will give it a golden and appetizing crust.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and bake the bread for about 40 minutes. Ten minutes before it's done, take the bread out of the oven and brush it again with the beaten egg, then increase the temperature to 200°C (higher heat) to achieve a crispy crust.

9. Cooling: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This is an important step to avoid condensation.

Practical Tips:
- Types of Flour: Type 000 flour is ideal for bread, but you can experiment with whole wheat or different types of flour to achieve various flavors and textures.
- Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, you can add dried herbs, sesame seeds, or cumin to the dough.
- Storage: The bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or can be frozen for later consumption.

Possible Variations:
- Seed Bread: Add sunflower, pumpkin, or flax seeds to the dough for a crunchy texture and added nutrients.
- Flavored Bread: Incorporate crushed garlic or fresh herbs into the dough for a distinctive aroma.

Nutritional Benefits:
This fluffy bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing you with the energy you need throughout the day. Whole wheat flour, if used, adds dietary fiber, essential for healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 8 g (or according to package instructions).
- Why doesn't the bread bake well? Make sure the yeast is active and that the dough has enough time to rise.

This fluffy bread recipe is not just a way to satisfy your craving for fresh bread, but also an opportunity to connect with home cooking traditions. Thus, each slice will bring not only flavor but also joy and beautiful memories. Serve this bread with butter, cheese, or alongside a warm soup, and enjoy every bite!