Today's "holiday" is "Homemade Bread Day". We bake all of the time, but I realized that I have never had the boys make bread (or anything with yeast) before. What a magical experience for them.
Here is the recipe that we used:
Traditional White Bread
2 (.25 0z) packages active dry yeast
3 Tbsp white sugar
2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
3 Tbsp lard, softened (I used butter)
1 tsp salt
1. In large bowl (I used my Kitchenaid w/ dough hook)...dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Allow to proof (get foamy). Mix in lard (or butter), salt, & 2 cups of flour. Add the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time.
2. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl & turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp washcloth & let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
3. Deflate (or punch) the dough & turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half & form into two loaves. Place into 2 lightly greased loaf pans. Cover with a damp washcloth & let rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes).
4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
It was pretty easy for the kids to do. I explained about yeast (what I know) & then they got to see the yeast proof. Then, we made the bread dough. They added everything & used the mixer. They were excited to see the bread dough double in size. It was like magic to them. Then, they helped form it into loaves & got to watch it rise again. When they got to touch the dough...they were surprised at how "squishy" it was. What a fun learning experience for them! If you haven't made bread with your kids before...DO!!!
The bread itself is pretty basic as baking bread goes. The flavor is very tasty & it is really moist.
