Grandma Sycamore Bread Recipe
With this Grandma Sycamore Bread Recipe, you can relive cherished family moments and create new memories around the dinner table.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 9x5-inch loaf pans
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen towel
- Cooking thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil for storing
Ingredients
- Warm water (110°F) 1 ¼ cups
- Granulated sugar 2 tablespoons
- Active dry yeast (1 packet) 2 ¼ teaspoons
- All-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting 4 cups
- Salt 1 ½ teaspoons
- Unsalted butter, melted ¼ cup
- Whole milk ¼ cup
- Egg for egg wash (optional) 1
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and milk.
- Mix and Knead: Using a wooden spoon or dough hook, mix until a dough forms. Work the dough on a surface dusted with flour for around 8 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough into a bowl that's been lightly greased, cover it with a cloth, and let it expand until it's about twice its original volume, which should take between 1 to 2 hours.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a loaf and place them in greased 9x5-inch loaf pans.
- Second Rise: Drape a cloth over the baking pans and allow the dough to puff up for approximately half an hour to 45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optional Egg Wash: Beat one egg and brush the top of each loaf lightly for a golden finish.
- Bake: Insert the pans into a preheated oven and cook for a duration of 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is a rich golden hue and a thermometer indicates at least 190°F.
- Cool and Serve: After taking them out of the oven, let the bread loaves settle and cool down on a cooling rack before you start cutting slices.
Notes
- Make sure the water is at the right temperature to activate the yeast properly.
- Use high-quality flour and fresh yeast for the best results.
- Kneading well ensures a soft and fluffy texture in your Grandma Sycamore Bread.
- For optimal rising, place your dough in a location that is warm and devoid of drafts.
- Don't skip the second rise; it gives the bread a finer crumb.