Bread

Note/Suggestions:  I use a bread machine and let the kids measure and add the ingredients, then start the machine. 3 hours later we have freshly baked bread. If you don’t have a machine you can mix this dough with a standing mixer of by hand, proof it and bake it in the oven. Both instructions are included.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted, but not hot
• 3 ½ cups of bread flour (I usually use 1/2 white flour and half white wheat flour)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 envelop ¼ oz envelop of yeast or 2 ¼ tsp of dry activated bread machine yeast

Bread Machine:

1. Put the milk, egg, butter, honey and salt in first. Then add the flour and yeast on top. Set the machine to rapid white and press start. 3 hours and hot bread is yours.

By hand:

1. Warm the milk in the microwave for about 45 seconds, until it is the temperature of a child's bath, then sprinkle the yeast over the top and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt, make a well in the center. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the egg and honey.
3. Pour the milk, egg, and honey into the well of the flour. Using a wooden spoon, fold in the flour and stir until a stick dough forms.
4. Dump the concoction onto a floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and springy.
5. Oil a large bowl with vegetable oil and put the dough into it and turn the dough until all sides are coated.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 1- 2 hours until it is doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and turn out to a floured surface. Knead 8 -10 time and shape into the shape dough you want or into rolls, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or baking mat. Pre heat the oven to 425 degrees. Let the dough rest while the oven preheats.
8. Bake for 45 minutes. When bread is golden brown and smells great, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Slice and butter. Everyone will love it.

Variations:
Add spices, cheese, nuts, raisins, you name it to this basic recipe. If you want a more Mediterranean flav, substitute the mile and egg for 1 ¼ cups water and the butter for olive oil. Use garlic, olives, rosemary and Parmesan cheese in the dough. Bread is fun and it tastes great and if you need academic justification…it is science a