Delicious Homemade Bread: A Pioneer Woman Inspired Recipe
Experience the joy of mixing, kneading, and savoring warm, crispy slices at home.
Introduction to Homemade Bread
Homemade bread is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and it’s easy to see why: Freshly baked bread offers a flavor and aroma that store-bought varieties often can’t match. Recently, Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman, shared a recipe for The Bread, which has become a favorite among her fans. This article will explore a slightly different take on homemade bread, focusing on the simplicity and versatility of such recipes.
The Pioneer Woman’s ‘The Bread’
Ree Drummond’s famous The Bread is incredibly simple, requiring just two ingredients: French bread and salted butter. The recipe involves spreading a generous amount of butter on each half of a French bread loaf, then baking it until the butter melts and slightly browns. This results in a crispy, flavorful bread that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients and Instructions
- Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, 1 cup salted butter, softened
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread one stick of softened butter on each half of the loaf.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the butter melts.
- Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the butter is dark brown and slightly burnt.
A Different Approach: Making Bread from Scratch
For those interested in a more hands-on bread-making experience, creating dough from scratch can be both rewarding and delicious. This approach allows for customization with various herbs and spices.
Ingredients for Homemade Bread
One effective recipe for homemade bread, inspired by the article, involves using a combination of basic ingredients like flour, water, butter, salt, and yeast.
- Ingredients:
- 20 oz (about 4 cups) bread flour
- 8 oz (1 cup) water
- 4 oz melted butter with chopped herbs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon active or instant yeast
- Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a stand mixer or by hand.
- Mix until a windowpane effect is achieved (about 10 minutes).
- Let the dough rise for 1 to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Cut a large ‘X’ into the dough top and bake in a covered cast iron pan for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
Benefits of Homemade Bread
Making bread at home offers several advantages. It allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Additionally, homemade bread is often more cost-effective and provides a satisfying baking experience.
Customization Ideas
- Using Different Herbs: Try rosemary, thyme, or chives to give your bread a unique flavor.
- Spices and Seasonings: Experiment with garlic, onion powder, or sesame seeds for added depth.
- Forming the Dough: Create a round, oblong, or baguette shape depending on your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What type of flour is best for homemade bread?
A: Bread flour is ideal due to its high protein content, which helps create a better texture, but all-purpose flour can also be used.
Q: How long does homemade bread stay fresh?
A: Generally, homemade bread is best consumed within a day or two of baking. However, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer.
Q: Can I make bread without a stand mixer?
A: Yes, you can make bread by hand. It just requires more time and effort to mix and knead the dough.
Conclusion
Making homemade bread, whether using a simple recipe like Ree Drummond’s or creating dough from scratch, is a rewarding process that offers endless possibilities for customization and enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, homemade bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
References
- https://www.food.com/recipe/the-bread-ree-drummond-pioneer-woman-443582
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9639/the-bread-in-his-words/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9458/the-bread/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65631380/best-bread-recipes/
- https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2379715/pioneer-bread-recipe-anyone-try-it
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