‘Footsteps 21 showed us how to build a wood stove, but not how to make bread.’ A RECENT READER’S COMMENT
You will need…
- 1.5kg bag of wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil or margarine
- 4–5 cups warm water
Method…
In a small bowl mix the sugar and 1 cup warm water and add the yeast. Make sure the water is not too warm or you will kill the yeast and your bread will be like rock! After 5–10 minutes the yeast will begin bubbling.
Place the flour and salt in a large bowl, add the oil, yeast and most of the water. (For sweet bread add half a cup of sugar, 1 cup chopped fresh or dried fruit and 2 teaspoons of sweet spices like cinnamon). Mix well, adding more water if needed, and knead (fold the dough in and press down firmly with your hand) for 5 minutes. Cover with plastic or damp cloth and leave for an hour.
Knead again for 5 minutes and form into small rolls or loaves. Place on oiled tins, cover and leave to double in size – about an hour. Cook in a hot oven for about 20 minutes for rolls, 40 minutes for loaves.
Small scale bread making can be a useful source of income especially if people smell it cooking!