Grandma’s Country White Bread

Grandma’s Country White Bread is a timeless recipe passed down through generations, known for its simplicity and wholesome taste. This bread is characterized by its rustic texture and heartwarming aroma, making it a beloved choice for homemade bread enthusiasts.

The recipe emphasizes the importance of patience during the rising process, allowing the dough to double for optimal flavor and texture. Grandma’s trick of placing the covered bowl in a slightly warmed oven with a bowl of water expedites the rising.

This bread is versatile and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, toasted, or used for sandwiches. Its classic flavor and soft texture make it a staple in many households, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Grandma’s Country White Bread

Ingredients:

• Luke-warm water: 3 cups
• Sugar: 1/4 cup
• Yeast: 1 1/2 Tbsp.
• Oil: 1/3 cup
• Salt: 1 Tbsp.
• Unbleached ground white wheat flour: 6 – 7 cups (regular all-purpose flour is also fine; about 8 more cups of flour will be needed. This will result in a softer, less-coarse bread.)
• Vital wheat gluten: 1 Tbsp. (only if using whole white wheat flour)

How to Make:

1. Activate Yeast:

• Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.

1. Add Ingredients:

• Add oil, salt, and flour (start with 6 cups of flour) to the yeast mixture.
• Mix everything well.

1. Knead the Dough:

• Knead the dough thoroughly for 6 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, slightly sticky, and pulls away from the bowl.

1. Adjust Consistency:

• While kneading, add more flour as needed.
• Repeat the process until the dough reaches the desired consistency.

1. First Rise:

• Cover the bowl of dough with a dish towel or plastic wrap.
• Let it rise until doubled, which takes at least 1 hour depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
• For a quicker rise, place the covered bowl inside the oven with the oven light on, and another bowl of warm water sitting on the lower rack.

1. Additional Tips:

• Flour Gradually: When adding flour during kneading, do it gradually. This helps achieve the right consistency without making the dough too dense.
• Consistency Check: The dough is ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl. Avoid over-kneading.