Baking bread

[Linnis]

I've never done this before so It may turn out horrible. I am proofing the yeast and the yeast smells like bread.

In about 2 hours we'll know if I've just spent time making a rock!

 

[Linnis]

It turned out okay and it tastes good but it seems rather heavy for bread. I couldn't get the amount of water to take six cups of bread flour like the recipe called for so I left it out. SHould I have added more water and added the remaining flour?

I'll try next time. Over all my first bread making experience turned out not so bad.

 

[_Orion]

Heavy or Dense bread might be a couple of things...

Too much flour -- weigh your flour instead of using measuring cups, it's much more accurate. Humidity and other factors come into play.

How long did you let it rise? It should at least double in bulk -- and it should rise slow enough and not be to hot.

 

[ChristianCenturion]

It turned out okay and it tastes good but it seems rather heavy for bread. I couldn't get the amount of water to take six cups of bread flour like the recipe called for so I left it out. SHould I have added more water and added the remaining flour?

I'll try next time. Over all my first bread making experience turned out not so bad.

The yeast is my biggest problem.
I can have an unopened package and still be within the sell by date only to have it heavy anyway. Do the same thing with the freshest package of yeast I can get and bingo! Perfect.

 

[linchen]

How long did you let it rise? It should at least double in bulk -- and it should rise slow enough and not be to hot.

That's a sound suggestion...

I will add that if you like really soft bread is a good idea to let it double
and then push the air out and work on the ball again.

Let the size double for the second time and put it in the oven....

 

[NorwayUnn]

I agree with you on that, linchen

 

[Maeyken]

Did you sift the flour before measuring it? That's how I was taught to do it. I don't have a sifter though, so I just stir it up with a whisk before scooping with the measuring cup and it works just fine.

Also, the more times you let it rise the better. If you've got the time, let it rise a third time. (All bread recipes I've had say to let it rise twice).

What kind of flour did you use? Whole wheat will always be more dense than white. Often it's recommended to do 50/50 if you're wanting homemade whole wheat bread.

 

[catzinjammies]

can be helpful too, especially in a humid place.