Golden Victorian Milk Bread

Victorian Milk Bread Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf

Description

Baking bread is not just a culinary endeavor but also a therapeutic ritual. This Victorian Milk Bread recipe, adapted from “Bread” by Treuille and Ferrigno, promises a delightful aroma filling your home and a loaf that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 200 ml milk, divided
• 500 g bread flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk (for egg glaze)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • In a bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar over 100 ml of warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Stir to dissolve completely.

2. Prepare the Dough:

   • Stir in the remaining 100 ml of milk into the yeast mixture.
   • In a separate bowl, mix 400 g of bread flour with salt.
   • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeasted milk mixture.
   • Using a wooden spoon, mix to combine into a sticky dough.

3. Kneading the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
   • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.

4. First Rise:

   • Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat the dough with oil.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tea towel.
   • Let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

5. Second Rise and Shaping:

   • After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to deflate it.
   • Cover again and let it rise for another 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
   • Grease a 1 lb loaf pan.
   • Shape the dough to fit into the pan.

6. Final Proofing and Baking:

   • Cover the shaped dough and let it prove until it rises about 1 inch above the top of the pan, about 1 hour.
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to make the egg glaze.
   • Brush the top of the loaf with the egg glaze.
   • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.

7. Cooling:

   • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

This Victorian Milk Bread recipe yields a single loaf of soft, flavorful bread that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this homemade delight with loved ones!