Embark on a delightful journey into the art of bread making with a recipe cherished for generations. Mixing flour, water, and milk is more than a culinary task; it’s a tradition steeped in love and flavor. Join me in exploring the simple steps to create butter bread that will transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen.
The Prelude
Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, evoking family gatherings and childhood memories. Today, we unveil my grandmother’s renowned butter bread recipe. From gathering the basic ingredients to savoring the final product, this journey promises to delight your senses and warm your heart.
Ingredients
3/4 cup warm water
3/4 cup hot milk
1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
7 teaspoons sunflower oil
1 teaspoon salt
6 cups wheat flour (additional flour as needed)
Butter
Mixing the Ingredients
Begin your bread-making adventure by combining the main ingredients. In a large bowl, mix warm water, hot milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Whisk until well blended. Gradually add salt and sunflower oil, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Creating the Dough
Now comes the exciting part: forming the dough. Slowly sift the wheat flour into the bowl, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Once the mixture becomes too thick to stir, transfer it to a wooden breadboard. Knead vigorously until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shaping the Loaves
Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and shape each piece into a loaf. Grease your hands with sunflower oil and coat each loaf thoroughly. Spread a thin layer of butter on top of each loaf. Use your fingers to flatten the loaves into discs, then fold the sides towards the center, forming tubes. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allowing the Dough to Rise
Cover the loaves with a clean cloth and let them rest for 15 minutes, allowing the dough to rise and become light and fluffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Preparing to Bake
In a small bowl, beat an egg and brush it over the loaves. For a classic homemade touch, make small cuts on the top of the dough. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and await the transformation.
Baking the Bread
Bake the bread for approximately 25 minutes, or until the loaves turn golden brown and emit a divine aroma. Once done, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool slightly before indulging in their warm, comforting goodness.
Enjoy this time-honored recipe and relish the connection to your heritage with every bite.