It only takes three ingredientsflour, water, saltor four if you count dry yeast.
If you’re intimidated about
Why is bread so notoriously difficult to make?
“That is the thing, it isn’t difficult!”
Photo: Shutterstock
says Julia Calleo, founder ofMy Lavender Blues.
Laura Davidson, the owner ofA Beautiful Plate, agrees.
“after you snag a solid understanding of the process, it’s much simpler than it appears.
You just have to start!”
before you jump in, consider having a few essentials.
Here are 7 mistakes that you should know when baking bread for the first time.
You kill the yeast.
The telltale sign that you killed your yeast is an accidental unleavened bread.
“Your bread will not rise if your yeast doesn’t live,” says Calleo.
Activating or “blooming” the yeast is the first step in bread making.
Instructions will tell you that you should add dry yeast to lukewarm water.
If your water is too hot, you’re able to kill the yeast.
If it’s too cold, your yeast won’t activate.
How you might avoid it:“You don’t need a thermometer.
Just see to it the water isn’t too hot, but isn’t too cold.
And you won’t kill your yeast.
You’ve got this.”
You use the wrong flour
“This comes down to a texture thing.
And to me, bread is all about the texture.
There are different gluten properties in different types of flours,” says Calleo.
They all differ based on the protein content or how finely they’re milled.
Your standard all-purpose flour won’t do for every loaf.
How can you avoid it:“I always use bread flour when baking bread.
It provides a perfect, chewy texture that you would want in any bread that you bake.
You knead too little
“This part is crucial for texture,” says Calleo.
Just set your timer and let the machine do the work,” says Calleo.
“Want that fluffy homemade bread you’ve always dreamed of?
Then you must let your dough rise,” says Calleo.
This is a very common mistake for beginners," says Davidson.
“It’s really important to observe your dough and use that as your guide.
Recipes can provide rough timelines, but that’s it,” says Davidson.
“Adjustments will always need to be made to suit your specific baking environment (is your kitchen cool?
and yeast strength.”
There is nothing wrong with that, but it often leads to disappointing bakes.
Young or under-developed starters will result in poor fermentation and gummy, dense loaves."
“It should be rising and falling on a predictable schedule and require roughly 2 feedings a day.”
The easy way to make healthier comfort foods.
“The bread will be gummier and less airy, and will stale and dry out much faster.”
This will take several hours," says Davidson.
You keep getting easily discouraged
“Baking failsare part and parcel of every sourdough baking journey.
Embrace it and just keep baking,” says Davidson.
“You’ll learn and become more confident with every additional loaf you make.”
How can you avoid it:Be patient.
“Everything in life takes practice and dedication,” says Davidson.
Time to bake!
Here are 3 easy bread recipes for beginners.
Take a stab at one of these easy bread recipes.
Great for soups, sandwiches, snacking, and every person in your household will love it.
Plus, your place will smell fantastic," says Calleo.
“This classic can be made in under three hours.
The directions are simple and straightforward.
This will be the gateway to your bread baking obsession.”
2.Sun-dried Tomato Stuffed Artisan Bread
“Don’t let the stuffy title throw you off.
This recipe is incredibly simple.
And the sun-dried tomatoes are completely optional.
Or some dried herbs?
),” says Calleo.
“Or keep it plain and simple!
The directions are so easy to follow, and do not be intimidated by the multiple ‘rise’ times.
3.Easy Nordic Pizza Dough
“By far one of the most overused recipes in my household.
Because who doesn’t love pizza?”
Plus, it’s quick and simple.
So the plan ahead time is minimal (less than an hour).”
