Almost all over the world, bread is a staple food. There are many varieties, and they are baked from a variety of ingredients and in numerous ways. However, store-bought bread does not even compare to homemade bread. Freshly baked home-made bread will fill the whole house with its aroma, and your loved ones will be delighted too. And even novices in the culinary arts will be able to prepare it.
Bread in a good shape
To become a master baker at home, you don't need a professional oven or complicated equipment. All you need is a good old-fashioned home oven and a suitable bread tin. Silicone baking tins, for example, are ideal, as they do not stick to the dough and can be thrown into the dishwasher after taking the bread out.
A perfect homemade loaf of bread can be baked in a specially designed-baking dish. You can also measure the ingredients and even knead the dough in it. Finally, all you have to do is close it, put it in the oven and wait patiently. The only downside is that the wonderful aroma will awaken your appetite, testing your patience.
There is also enough time to make delicious pastries or baguettes, just in time for a family breakfast. And you probably won't be able to do without a side dish! Fortunately, you can bake several rolls at a time in the clever bread roll tins. Or you can go a step further and make delicious bagels. Of course, they taste best sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Traditional sourdough bread
Even if you're just starting on the adventure of making homemade bread, you can certainly manage to prepare traditional bread. All you need is a few ingredients mixed with a spoon, without any tedious kneading. It is not as difficult, once you get started. So get to work!
Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons of rye sourdough,
- 300 g of wholemeal rye flour (type 2000),
- 300 g of luxury wheat flour (type 550),
- 100 g of sunflower seeds (sesame, cumin, pumpkin),
- 600 ml of warm water,
- 1 large tablespoon of salt.
Method of preparation:
Combine the rye flour with the wheat flour, then add the rest of the ingredients. Use a large spoon to knead the dough - it should be quite sticky. Transfer the dough into a tin, wrap it in a cloth or cling film, and give it time to rise. This usually takes between 4 and 6 hours. Then place the whole thing in a preheated oven and bake at 220 degrees Celsius for about 1.5 hours.
Do you love a crispy crust? Before the bread goes into the oven, brush the top: Boil half a cup of water with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of flour. It's important that it's hot!
How about a baguette to go with it?
Traditional long baguettes are already a real rarity. If only round buns are available in your neighbourhood shop, try baking them yourself. It will take less time to prepare them than a shopping trip!
Ingredients:
- 270 g wheat flour,
- 180 ml lukewarm water,
- 10 g yeast,
- 6 g salt.
Method of preparation:
Make a starter from the water and yeast. When ready, add it to the flour mixed with salt. Knead into a smooth dough. Set aside for 30 minutes to double the size. Now all you need to do is pack it into the tin and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the baguettes are golden in colour. Voilà - ready to be served!
A breath of Tuscany - traditional Italian focaccia
Recalling an amazing holiday in the Eternal City? We have something better than a bundle of dusty photographs. A delicious Italian focaccia will have you transported to one of Rome's picturesque streets for a moment.
Ingredients:
- 200 g wheat flour,
- 25 g yeast,
- 200 ml warm water,
- 200 g cherry tomatoes,
- 3 stalks of rosemary.
Method of preparation:
Dissolve the yeast in the water and wait until the leaven is ready. Add it to the flour mixed with a pinch of salt. Knead in a little rosemary. When smooth, leave the dough to rise for 1.5 hours. After this time, turn out onto a baking tray, and sprinkle with the remaining rosemary and the halved tomatoes. Bake for 15 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. Enjoy!
...and for cutting
Fresh bread is not easy to slice, which is why a suitable cutting board and a knife with a saw are indispensable accessories in the kitchen of anyone who sets about making and baking bread, buns and baguettes with their own hands. At FormAdore you will also find cutting boards which are integrated into the bread containers.
How do you store bread to keep it fresh? Find out here!
