Easy and Yummy Bread

Ingredients:

Warm Water: 70ml, to activate the yeast

Warm Milk: 70ml, for a tender crumb

Dry Yeast: 1 teaspoon, the magic ingredient

Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to feed the yeast

Egg: 1, for richness and color

Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons, for flavor and softness

Flour: 320g, the foundation of the bread

Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to enhance taste

Instructions:

Yeast Activation:

In a small bowl, mix the warm water, warm milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.

Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. You’re looking for a dough that’s just past sticky, and pliable enough to handle.

First Rise:

Cover the bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free area to let the dough rise. This should take about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Shape and Second Rise:

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into your desired loaf or rolls.

Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover lightly with the kitchen towel again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Once the dough has completed its second rise and looks puffy and ready, place it in the oven.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Enjoy:

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with butter, your favorite spreads, or as the base for a delicious sandwich.