Golden Harvest Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Golden Harvest Bread is your go-to for a simple, yet flavorful homemade bread that brings warmth to any meal. This recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros wanting a quick, reliable loaf.

Ingredients for Golden Harvest Bread

All-purpose flour serves as the base for our bread, providing structure and stability. Warm water is crucial for activating the yeast, which needs a cozy environment to thrive. Sugar adds a touch of sweetness and also helps in feeding the yeast to ensure a good rise. Active dry yeast is our leavening agent, responsible for that lovely, airy texture. A pinch of salt enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the natural flavors. Finally, olive oil adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a thermometer to check water temperature; too hot or cold can kill the yeast.
  • If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in a slightly warmed (but off) oven.
  • For a crispier crust, place a small pan of water on the bottom rack while the bread bakes.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pairs beautifully with a hearty stew or a creamy tomato soup. It's also fantastic toasted with a drizzle of honey or a slather of butter for breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it may alter the texture and rise. Consider starting with a half-and-half mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
How do I store this bread?
Store in a cool, dry place wrapped in a cloth to maintain freshness for up to three days.
Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Slice it first for easy thawing and toasting.

Golden Harvest Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by dissolving the sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over this mixture and let it stand for about 5 minutes until it's nice and frothy. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Next, stir in olive oil and salt, then gradually add the flour. Mix until you form a soft dough. It might be a bit sticky at first, but as you mix, it should start coming together.

Once your dough is formed, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes. You're looking for a smooth, elastic dough that bounces back when you poke it gently.

Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take about an hour.

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Allow it to rise again until doubled in size, around 30 minutes.

While your dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once risen, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown color, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. This step is crucial to ensure the texture sets properly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with minimal ingredients.
  • Perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups and stews.
  • Rich, golden crust with a soft, fluffy interior.
  • Great for practicing your bread-making skills.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Stir in olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture. Add flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Allow it to rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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