Easy Homemade Bread

My mom has been asking me for this recipe I just couldn't find the time to take step-by-step photos. Finally, here it goes.  After  Ma and Pa sold one of their commercial ovens and a massive dough roller, I didn't think they'll be interested in making breads again because it required too much work.  Five or eight years ago, I have to verify this, my parents learned how to make 'pan de sal', sweet roll that is sold as early as 4 a.m. Everyday, they mix, knead, proof and bake the bread for everyone to enjoy . Pan de sal is best eaten when dunked in hot coffee or simply eaten by itself.

In January, while we were in the Philippines I was excited to show my parents my very own discovery of  an easy bread recipe. Yes...it's easy. You don't even need a mixer for this recipe. You just need to use the heel of your  hands for kneading. Plus you'll be getting a good work out doing so.

Easy Homemade Bread

1 & 3/4 C  lukewarm water (110 degrees F)

2 package of dry yeast

1/4 C Sugar or 2 Tbsp. (if less sugar is preferred)

1/3 C Olive oil + 2 Tbsp. for brushing

1 tsp. Salt

4 to 5 C Bread flour (1/2 C for dusting)

1/4 C Corn Meal

I use cold filtered water and heats it in the microwave for 1:30 seconds.
Make sure that the water isn't too hot or it will kill your yeast.

Add the sugar and yeast into your warm water. Stir. 

And, let it sit for 5 minutes or until it starts to bubble up on top.

Set aside.

In a large Mixing bowl, combine  the oil and salt.

Check the yeast mixture.

Pour it in the bowl. Stir it in with the oil and salt.

Using your measuring cup. 

Add 1 Cup (at a time) of Bread flour in the wet mixture.

Stir it using a wooden spoon.

Add another one cup of flour.

At the Fifth cup, you may start the kneading process.

I usually knead the dough for 15 minutes.

When I prefer quick clean up, kneading stays in the bowl.

Otherwise, a floured-surface is the option if you want take your time.

In a greased bowl, let the dough rise for 5 minutes. This is why I like this recipe so much.

It need not to be proofed for more than an hour or longer. 

Now is time for shaping your dough. I usually just cut it in half.

You may form any shape you prefer. Rolls, loaf, hamburger bun, hot dog bun, pizza crust, etc.

The sky is the limit. I've tried them all.

Sprinkle the surface of a baking sheet with some cornmeal.

The cornmeal gives your bread a wonderful texture.

Cut a slit or a mark on your bread.

Brush it with olive oil, butter or egg wash. 

Bake in a pre-heated oven, 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15- 20 minutes.

*Broke a rule in baking...as you can see I baked different sizes of bread

which may affect its quality. But the breads turned out to be very good anyway!

Love this on a sandwich or grilled cheese. Yum!

Hamburger bun.

My favorite burger: Blue cheese burger.

I hope you learned something from this posts. I'd like to thank my mom for allowing me to take her baking sheets and pans. I'm happy to have inherited something that's part of the old bakery. :) Let me know if you have any questions.