Certainly! Let’s dive into the delightful world of making Honey Bread, a recipe that’s perfect for those craving a wholesome, slightly sweet loaf. This recipe is designed to yield two loaves of soft, golden goodness, just waiting to be enjoyed with a spread of butter or as a delightful accompaniment to soups and stews. 🍯🍞
Honey Bread Recipe
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1/2 tsp | Salt |
1/3 cup | Honey |
1 cup | Very hot water |
1 cup | Scalded milk |
2 | Eggs |
5 1/2 cups | Flour |
4 tsp | Dry active yeast |
1/3 cup | Oil |
Instructions:
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Dissolve Honey:
- Start by dissolving the honey in very hot water. This step helps infuse that sweet, golden flavor throughout the bread.
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Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Once the honey is dissolved, add the scalded milk. Let this mixture cool until it’s just very warm to the touch. This warmth helps activate the yeast.
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Activate the Yeast:
- Stir in the dry active yeast into the honey-milk mixture. This is where the magic starts as the yeast comes alive.
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Initial Flour Addition:
- Add 1 cup of flour to the mixture and mix it well. This creates a sort of starter for the dough.
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Let it Rest:
- Allow the mixture to stand in a warm, draft-free spot for about 10 minutes. You should start to see some light sponging action happening.
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Add Eggs and Oil:
- Once the mixture has developed a light sponge, it’s time to add the eggs, salt, and oil. These ingredients enrich the dough, giving it a tender texture.
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Gradual Flour Addition:
- Begin adding the remaining flour, cup by cup, until the mixture is just barely dry enough to turn out onto a heavily floured board. This is where you’ll get your hands a bit messy!
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Kneading Time:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
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First Rise:
- Take a large bowl and coat the inside with some oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it over once so the top is also coated with oil. This prevents it from drying out.
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Cover and Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a light towel and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size. This is the moment when the dough becomes airy and light.
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Shape and Second Rise:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into loaves or even into biscuits if you prefer individual servings. Let the shaped dough rise for another 10-15 minutes.
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Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake the loaves for 20-30 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This step fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
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Enjoy Warm or Cool:
- Once baked, let the loaves cool slightly on a wire rack. Then slice into thick, tempting pieces. Enjoy a slice warm with a drizzle of honey or let it cool completely for sandwiches or toasting. The choice is yours!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1989.4
- Fat: 54.4g
- Saturated Fat: 11.2g
- Cholesterol: 440.1mg
- Sodium: 796.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 317.9g
- Fiber: 10.9g
- Sugar: 48g
- Protein: 54.9g
Recipe Notes:
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Variations: Feel free to add a handful of nuts or dried fruits to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
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Storage: Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container or resealable bag. This bread also freezes well, so you can enjoy a taste of homemade goodness whenever you like.
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Sharing: Share a loaf with a friend or neighbor. There’s something special about sharing freshly baked bread—it spreads warmth and happiness!
This Honey Bread recipe is a true labor of love, perfect for those cozy weekends or whenever you want to fill your home with the comforting scent of freshly baked bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe promises a delicious reward 🌟. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some memories! 🍞✨