AMERICAN BREAD RECIPES

Steps:

• Begin by making an open fire oven with coals.
• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes. In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and lard. Knead thoroughly, and then add the yeast mixture and continue to knead until it has reached a dough consistency.
• Cover dough with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm dark place to let rise for 45 minutes.
• Divide dough in half and knead again to remove any air pockets. Place each half in a separate aluminum pan and press the dough down.
• Push the coals and ashes of the fire to one side, but do not put fire out. Place the aluminum pans on the clean ground of the open fire oven, and bake for 45 minutes.
• Slice and serve with butter.

Steps:

• Mix milk, water, butter, honey and yeast together.
• Combine 3 1/2 cups flour and salt in bowl of stand mixer.
• Gradually add milk mixture to flour.
• Increase mixer speed to medium, mix for 10 minutes, until dough is smooth. (You may need to add extra flour to get dough to the right consistency. I always do.).
• Turn dough out onto floured surface, knead briefly to form a small, round ball.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat.
• To Proof: Original recipe suggests while you are making the dough, heat an oven to 200 for 10 minutes, then turning off. Place bowl covered with plastic wrap in oven to proof. However, I cover with a towel and use my warming burner. Let rise 40 - 50 minutes, or until doubled in size.
• Turn onto floured work surface, gently roll dough into a 1 x 9 inch rectangle. Roll the short side into a tight cylinder. Pinch the seams closed. Place the seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• Cover with plastic wrap or towel; set in a warm spot until the dough almost doubles in size, 20-30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350. Placing a glass dish with boiling water inside.
• Bake 40 -50 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 195°.
• Brush with melted butter, cool on wire rack.
• To freeze: Cool completely, cover with plastic wrap or foil. Place in freezer bag. Thaw on counter overnight.