August 20, 2008

Batter Bread

A bit quicker than standard breads, this loaf is a great riser with a soft crumb. And it's designed to come together in your mixer, so it's quick and easy.

Measure the warm water into the mixing bowl of an electric mixer. (The warm water should be about body temperature - test a few drops on your wrist as you would a baby's bottle.) Sprinkle the yeast into the water and stir to dissolve. Add the sugar. Let stand a minute or two.

Add the butter, salt, and 2 c. of the flour. Beat until smooth. If you don't have a "dough hook" on your mixer, remove the mixer bowl do the next step by hand.

Add the last cup of flour. The dough will be a bit stickier and wetter than other bread dough.

Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl and spray the top of the dough. Cover the bowl and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30 min.).

Grease a loaf pan. Punch down the dough and gently form into a loaf shape. Place in the greased pan. Let rise again in a warm place protected from drafts, about 40 minutes, until doubled in size.

Toward the end of rising, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake at 375°F for 40 min., until a tap on the bottom of the loaf makes a hollow sound.

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