White Sandwich Bread

Here is another recipe I often make on Saturday morning, which will last for the week. It only takes a few minutes to make and yes, it does take a little time, but it is mostly unattended. Unlike store bought bread that contain is some cases, more than 8 or 10 ingredients… this one only has water, flour, yeast, salt and a little butter… that’s it. The results are so rewarding and well worth the extra effort. Rather than seeing it as a burden, making bread is an exercise in being in the moment and enjoying the process. Give it a try… it only gets better with a little practice.

INGREDIENTS
500g strong white bread flour. (You can also use all-purpose flour)
1 teaspoon salt
7 gr. fast-action yeast
25 gr butter, at room temperature
300 ml lukewarm water

METHOD

In a bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast.

Pour the lukewarm butter and water mixture into the well in the flour and mix to form a dough.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel, (I use a shower cap) and leave it to rise until doubled in size; about an hour.
Preheat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7.
Knock back the dough by gently kneading it a few times to remove the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a buttered loaf tin.
Leave the dough to prove for another 30 minutes until it has doubled in size.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
This white loaf with butter will have a rich, tender crumb and a delightful buttery flavor. Enjoy your freshly baked bread.

TIP DU JOUR :
I am lucky to have a “proof” setting on my oven – But if you don’t, simply turn on the oven light and leave your bread inside for an hour.
I often place a bowl of hot water to help the rise. It does magic as it makes the dough rise so much faster.
After an hour, remove the bread and turn on the oven – When ready spray a little bit of water just right after placing your bread in the oven. This will create steam which is excellent to help the bread rise.