Homestead Honey White Bread is a delightful twist on the classic loaf that combines the comforting taste of homemade bread with a hint of sweetness from honey. This recipe is perfect for both novices and seasoned bakers looking for a trusty staple in their baking repertoire.
All-purpose flour is the backbone of our bread, providing structure and chewiness. Active dry yeast does the heavy lifting, fermenting the dough and making it rise. Warm water activates the yeast, creating a perfect environment for it to thrive. Honey adds a gentle sweetness and moisture to the bread, while unsalted butter enriches the dough, contributing to a tender crumb. Finally, salt enhances all the flavors, balancing out the sweetness and bringing everything together.
This bread is a versatile companion to many meals. Serve it warm with a pat of butter alongside a hearty soup or stew. It also makes for excellent sandwiches or toast with your favorite jam or honey drizzle.
Start by dissolving your packet of yeast in 2 cups of warm water in a large bowl. The water should be warm to the touch but not hot — around 110°F is ideal. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it turns foamy. This foam indicates that your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to puff up your bread.
Next, stir in the honey, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. Now comes the fun part: adding the flour. Do this gradually, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. You'll notice the mixture start to come together into a dough.
Once your dough forms, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic texture. This step is both physical and therapeutic, so enjoy it! When you're done, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, roughly an hour.
After the first rise, lightly punch down the dough to release excess air, then divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place them into greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes or so, until they double in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your loaves have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Let them cool on a wire rack before slicing to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
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