Are you dreaming of that perfect, crusty loaf of bread, warm from the oven and filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked dough? Stop dreaming and start baking! With the help of your Emile Henry bread baker, achieving that artisan-quality bread is easier than you think. This versatile baking vessel is perfect for creating a multitude of delicious breads, from rustic sourdoughs to fluffy focaccias. This post will guide you through some easy recipes, transforming your kitchen into a bread-baking haven.
Simple Rustic White Bread
This recipe is a fantastic starting point for beginner bakers, showcasing the Emile Henry bread baker's ability to produce wonderfully textured bread with minimal effort. It's a perfect example of delicious, homemade cooking.
Prep time: 20 minutes Rise time: 2-3 hours Bake time: 40-45 minutes Yields: 1 loaf
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Gently punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough into your greased Emile Henry bread baker. Cover and let rise for another 1-1.5 hours, or until almost doubled.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the bread in the Emile Henry baker for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
- Cool: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade loaf!
Tips for Bread Baking Success:
- Use a good quality yeast: Fresh yeast will give you the best results.
- Don't overknead the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Let the dough rise properly: Adequate rising time is crucial for a light and airy texture.
- Preheat your Emile Henry baker: Preheating the baker ensures an even bake and a crispy crust.
- Use a thermometer: An oven thermometer will ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
Variations:
- Herb bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dough.
- Garlic bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Whole wheat bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 2-4g
This simple rustic white bread recipe is just the beginning of your bread-baking journey with your Emile Henry bread baker. Experiment with different flours, herbs, and spices to create your own unique and delicious loaves. Happy baking!