When we make bread, we participate in the same alchemy as countless generations before us who used the carbon dioxide produced by tiny yeast cells digesting carbohydrates to make bread, and used the alcohol they make to create beer and wine. We've been at it so long, it is likely part of our genetic code.
Basic Bread Dough
3 - 3 ½ cups unsifted flour
4 teaspoons sugar
1½ teaspoons salt
1 package dry yeast
2 Tablespoons soft butter
1¼ cups very hot water (105–115°F)
Measure and combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and undissolved
dry yeast in a large bowl. Mix well.
Add butter. Add very hot water slowly to the dry ingredients.
Beat the mixture for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup flour or enough to make a thick batter. Beat for 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in more flour to make a soft dough.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes.
Take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a floured surface. Knead dough until it is smooth. The dough is then ready to shape and bake.
Artisan Bread
Most artisan breads are variations on the Basic Bread Dough recipe. Making a Honey, Raisin and Rosemary Bread, for instance, begins with mixing together flour, sugar, salt and then adding yeast.
In a separate bowl, mix together a ½ cup honey and ½ stick of butter. Heat in a microwave or over low heat so the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Whisk in a cup of buttermilk and 2 eggs. Add this to the flour mixture and stir.
Add enough flour to make a ball of dough, but instead of covering and allowing to rise, turn it out onto a well-floured surface and knead in the flavoring ingredients - raisins, walnuts, rosemary - one at a time.
After kneading, place the dough in a well oiled bowl and turn over so that the top is greased as well as the bottom. Cover with parchment, wax paper, or a clean kitchen towel and lket rise in a draft-free location for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch the dough down and divide in half. Shape into two bread loaves and place on parchment paper lined baking sheets. Let rise 30 minutes to an hour, then bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and serve warm.
