American Bread

Ingredients:

• 800 grams of flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 10 grams dry yeast
• 500 ml warm water
• 30 ml sunflower oil (for greasing)
• Milk (for brushing)
• Additional flour (for dusting)

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Directions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

• Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl to soften it.
• Add the salt, sugar, and dry yeast. Mix well to combine.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients:

• Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients.
• Mix and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

3. First Rise:

• Grease a bowl with sunflower oil and place the dough inside.
• Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Dough for Baking:

• Punch down the dough to release the air.
• Knead briefly and divide into two equal parts.
• Shape each piece into a loaf and place in greased rectangular loaf pans.

5. Second Rise:

• Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes until it rises above the top of the pans.

6. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
• Brush the tops with milk and olive oil to help create a crispy crust.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Cool and Serve:

• Remove from the oven, cool in pans for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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Variations:

1. Whole Wheat Bread:
   Substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, more rustic bread.
2. Herbed Bread:
   Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough for added flavor.
3. Sweet Bread:
   Add raisins, cinnamon, or a bit of honey to the dough for a sweet twist.
4. Multigrain Bread:
   Incorporate seeds like sunflower, sesame, or flaxseed for a nutty and crunchy texture.
5. Garlic Bread:
   Add minced garlic and butter to the dough for a savory option, or sprinkle garlic powder on top before baking.

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Tips:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   Ensure the water is warm (not hot) when mixing with the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, affecting the rise.
2. Dough Consistency:
   If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add more water, a little at a time.
3. Proper Rising Conditions:
   Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl inside the oven with just the light on to keep it warm.
4. Test for Doneness:
   Tap the bottom of the loaf after baking; if it sounds hollow, it’s done. If it doesn’t, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
5. Cooling:
   Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Slicing too early can result in a dense, gummy texture.