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You can see more pics/instructions on hand kneading this recipe here. If you have a bread machine, see directions below. This time I mixed everything in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Ive also used the bread machine a bunch of times with great results. I used instant dry milk, and regular (not instant) yeast because that was what I had on hand. I always weigh my ingredients when baking, but have used the cup measurements in the past with success too. Here is a helpful video that explains how to shape the loaf before proofing.
EVERYDAY SANDWICH BREAD
- 1 1/4 cups luke warm water (70-80º)
- 2 Tbsp butter or shortening (room temp)
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar or honey
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat bread flour
- 3 tbsp powdered milk*
- 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 3 TBSP powdered milk
DIRECTIONS:
1. Stir together the flour, whole-wheat flour, sugar (if using), salt, powdered milk, and yeast in a 4-quart mixing bowl (or in the bowl of an electric mixer). Add the shortening, honey (if using), and water. Stir (or mix on low speed with the paddle attachment) until the ingredients form a ball. If there is still flour in the bottom of the bowl, dribble in additional water. The dough should feel soft and supple. It is better for it to be a little too soft that to be too stiff and tough.
2. Sprinkle flour or whole-wheat flour on the counter, and transfer the dough to the counter, and begin kneading (or mix on medium speed with the dough hook). Add more flour if needed to make a firm, supple dough that is slightly tacky but not sticky. Kneading should take about 10 minutes (6 minutes by machine). The dough should pass the windowpane test and registers 77 to 81 degrees F. Lightly oil a large bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl, rolling it around to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
3. Ferment at room temperature for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
4. Remove the dough from the bowl and press it by hand into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick, 6 inches wide, and 8 to 10 inches long. Form it into a loaf by working from the short side of the dough, rolling up the length of the dough one section at a time, pinching the crease with each rotation to strengthen the surface tension. It will spread wider as you roll it. Pinch the final seam closed with the back edge of your hand or with your thumbs. Place the loaf in a lightly oiled 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch bread pan; the ends of the loaf should touch the ends of the pan to ensure an even rise. Mist the top with spray oil and loosely cover with plastic wrap.
5. Proof at room temperature for approximately 60 to 90 minutes, or until the dough crests above the lip of the pan.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F with the oven rack on the middle shelf.
7. Place the bread pan on a sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes. Rotate the pan 180 degrees for even baking and continue baking for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the oven. The finished loaf should register 190 degrees F in the center, be golden brown on the top and the sides, and sound hollow when thumped on the bottom.
8. When the bread is finished baking, remove it immediately from the loaf pan and cool it on a rack for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours before slicing or serving.
BREAD MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS:
Place all ingredients into pan of bread machine in the order listed. Make a small well in the middle of the flour and add yeast last. Run on normal cycle, medium crust. After cycle is done, remove, allow to cool before slicing. Store in an airtight ziplock or freeze immediately.