"an Old Recipe" For Good Bread Recipe

An Old Recipe For Good Bread

Introduction:
Bread has been a staple food for centuries, and there is something nostalgic and comforting about a loaf of homemade bread. This old recipe for good bread has been passed down from generations, and it is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of rustic bread baking. The secret ingredient in this recipe is potato-water, which gives the bread a unique flavor and texture. So, let's delve into the steps of this traditional bread recipe and discover the art of bread baking.

Fun Fact:
Using potato-water in bread baking was a common practice in the past, especially in rural areas. The addition of potato-water not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture to the bread, resulting in a soft and tender crumb.

Ingredients:
- 1 quart potato water (water in which potatoes have been boiled)
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, finely mashed
- 1 small cake of yeast
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Warmed, well-dried flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter or lard

Instructions:

1. The day before baking:
In the afternoon, dissolve one cake of yeast in half a cup of lukewarm water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and enough warmed, well-dried flour to make a thin batter. Place the mixture in a bowl and cover it. Allow it to stand in a warm place until the evening, around 9 o'clock.

2. Mixing the sponge:
Add the foamy yeast mixture (the sponge) to the lukewarm potato water. Ensure the potato water is lukewarm to activate the yeast. Stir in the finely-mashed potatoes and 1 tablespoon of salt. Gradually add enough flour to make a rather thick batter. Mix well, cover the bowl, and allow the sponge to rise overnight in a warm place.

Fun Fact:
Using a sponge in bread-making is a traditional technique that allows yeast to ferment and develop, resulting in a more flavorful and textured bread.

3. The next morning:
In the morning, the sponge should have risen and become bubbly. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of butter or lard, and warmed flour to make a stiff dough. Turn the dough out onto a breadboard and knead for about twenty minutes until the dough is smooth and doesn't stick to your hands.

Fun Fact:
Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, giving the bread structure and elasticity.

4. First rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise until its bulk has doubled. This rising time may vary, typically taking around 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.

5. Shaping the loaves:
Once the dough is doubled in size, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into equal portions for the desired loaf sizes. Mold the dough into loaves, shaping them by folding the edges inward and rolling them tightly. Place the shaped loaves into greased bread pans.

6. Second rise and baking:
Cut several gashes on the top of each loaf, brush them with melted butter, and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the loaves to rise again in a warm place until they double in size. This process usually takes around 1-2 hours.

Preheat the oven to a moderately hot temperature. Once the loaves have doubled in size, place them in the oven and bake for about one hour or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Cooling and serving:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then, transfer the loaves onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve the bread fresh with butter or use it for your favorite sandwiches or toast.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy the process of bread-making and want to try other traditional bread recipes, you might also enjoy making French baguettes, Italian ciabatta, or German rye bread. Each of these breads has its own unique characteristics, flavors, and regional variations, providing a delightful culinary journey around the world.

Conclusion:
Baking homemade bread is not just about the end product but also about the memories and traditions associated with it. This old recipe for good bread with its use of potato-water and time-honored techniques allows you to experience the joy of bread baking. So, embrace the nostalgia, gather your ingredients, and embark on a bread-baking adventure that will fill your home with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and create memories to be cherished.