Bread

Bread has been a staple for centuries in countries far and wide. It has filled the tummies of the wealthy and the poor. After leafing through numerous cookbooks, magazines, and novels, I've come to the conclusion that whatever your heart desires can be added to bread. It can even be made into shapes and amazing sculptures.

Kitchen Aid makes a great mixer. It is the ultimate bread maker when equipped with its trusty dough hook. Generally, the wet ingredients are added first and then the dry. If adding raisins or currants they must be soaked for at least 10 minutes in boiling water and then well-drained before adding to your mixture.

To make a pleasing soft bread keep your eye on the mixture as you add the flour. When finished with the flour additions the dough should be firm but still elastic. Everyone measures differently so keeping an eye on the elasticity of the dough while mixing is important. The same recipe given to ten bakers will produce ten loaves that are just as individual as the bakers themselves.

We strongly suggest that you use an automatic mixer with a dough hook. This makes the kneading job very quick and easy. If not, mix with your hands but take care not to over-knead as this will make your bread tough. This recipe makes a very sticky dough so be careful not to over flour as you knead it.