Bread - Lovin' from the Oven

What really shows love for you? Lovin’ from the oven? For sure! A special treat, or maybe something unexpected to pick you up? Nothing smells better than walking into a house where bread is baking. Imagine the hunger it awakens in you! I have a recipe I’ve used for so long, I no longer need it in print. It makes a simple white bread dough, perfect for pizza, calzones, rolls, breadsticks, and so on.

I found at least 12 Biblical references to my search for “feeding the spirit.” Whether it’s manna in the desert, or communion, we all like to share in the bread of life.

Cindy’s Bread Dough

Makes 2 loaves, or 2-3 pizzas

Start with a large bowl. Don’t preheat the oven, because this needs rising time.

Ingredients

2 cups hot tap water, not boiling

2 level tablespoons yeast, or 2 packets

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup cooking oil, or olive oil

6-7 cups regular white enriched flour

1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

Gather ingredients so they’re ready to use.

1. Put the hot water into the bowl.

2. Sprinkle the yeast over it.

3. Stir in the oil and sugar.

Let this stand for 5 minutes to proof.

4. When the yeast has shown itself to be active and gotten puffy, stir in first three cups of flour, one cup at time. Add the salt now.

5. Mix in the remaining flour, a cup at a time, up to six cups. You may want to use a stand mixer with a dough hook, but I just use my hands.

6. Flour your work surface, turn the dough out of the bowl, and knead it for about 10 minutes. Use plenty of flour on your hands, and mix in the remaining flour as needed. Try not to let the dough get too dry.

7. Oil the empty bowl, return the ball of dough to it. Turn the dough in the bowl to make sure it’s covered.

8. I recommend covering the dough with plastic wrap, and then a warm, wet dishtowel.

9. Let the dough rise until doubled. It helps if the kitchen is warm.

When the dough has risen, punch it down. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and divide it to shape as you like for your use. I use parchment paper to line baking pans.

Before baking, I sometimes brush melted butter on the bread, and sprinkle it with kosher salt.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, usually.

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”