A Beginning Loaf Recipes

A BEGINNING LOAF

Steps:

• Combine flour, yeast, sugar and salt in large mixing bowl. Whisk. Heat the milk or soy milk until warm (110-115 degrees F); stir it in along with 1 Tbsp of the oil. Continue stirring until dough forms (about 30 seconds). Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and springy (about 3 minutes). Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl; turn so all surfaces are lightly covered with oil. Place in a warm (80-85 degrees F), draft-free place and let rise until about doubled in volume (25-30 minutes). Check by pressing a fingertip lightly into top of dough about 1/2" deep. If the indentation remains, dough is ready. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Turn dough out of mixing bowl. Form into a round and place on baking pan; or form into loaf and place in lightly greased loaf pan. Gently brush the top (and sides if making a round) of the loaves with the remaining oil. Bake on center rack of moderate preheated oven (350 degrees F) for 25 minutes or until bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped with your finger. Serve hot or room temperature. For variations, try serving with a fruit juice glaze or berry topping or incorporate a teaspoon of spice such as cardamom into the dough.

BASIC HOMEMADE BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in warm water; let stand until bubbles form on surface. Whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Stir oil into yeast mixture; pour into flour mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-1/2 to 2 hours., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1-1/2 hours., Bake at 375° until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped or has reached an internal temperature of 200°, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

EASY MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread OR cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, or form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.