Maman's Best Bread Recipe

by Celeste
(Hamilton)

This is Maman's Best Bread Recipe. When we were little my mom was a work at home lady. In those days we could smell the home made bread from 1/4 of a mile away and up the hill.

I don't know how she did it, but when we would smell it and come running (we used to walk from the bus), it was perfectly orchestrated so that it was literally coming out of the oven when we walked into the door. And let me say that there is nothing tastier than butter melting on fresh-from-the-oven bread.

And here is Maman's Best Bread Recipe:

2 packages active dry yeast (1 tbsp = 1 package)
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 c warm water
2 c milk
2 c warm water (keep all h2o in separate containers until later!)
1/4 c sugar
5 tsp salt
1/4 c shortening
12-13 c All purpose flour (white or whole wheat - we prefer wheat)

Directions:

Dissolve 2 tbsp of sugar in 1/2 c water, then add yeast to soften. (Putting the yeast in the water will 'loosen' the yeast and make it soft!) Let stand 10 minutes and stir.

In a large bowl add 1/4 c sugar, 5 tsp salt, 1/4 c shortening. Scald 2 c milk & add to large mixing bowl. Add scalded milk to mixing bowl ingredients and stir until shortening melts.

Add warm water (2 c) to large mixing bowl with water & milk. Cool until luke warm & stir in yeast. Stir in 6 c flour (your choice) & mix vigorously. Gradually add 6 - 7 c more flour. Turn out onto flat board or counter. Knead (using your hands!!) until smooth & satiny (approx. 5-8 minutes).

Using 2 tbsp of shortening grease inside of mixing bowl. Place dough into bowl & turn over so greased side is on top. Cover & place in a warm, draft free place. (I find a tea towel & on top of the fridge works best!)

Let rise for 1 hour. Punch down (literally!) & let rise until double in size (3/4 hr). Using non stick pans (grease the inside slightly if you don't have them!) cut dough into 4 sections. Roll into the size of the bread pan. Shape & place into pans, let rise until double in size (1 hour). Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 - 45 minutes or until browned.

*****

That's it! The whole process seems long but is soo worth it in the end. The first time I made this recipe I sent it to my brothers with his wife.. They agreed.

Maman's Best Bread Recipe Tasted like it was store bought!