How To Make Batter Breads

Here's How:

1. Combine flour, dry active yeast, salt, and seasonings in bowl.
2. Measure amount of liquid called for in recipe. If warm water is required, run the tap until the water feels quite warm to your hands.
3. Add liquid, oil or melted shortening, and eggs (if used) to dry ingredients.
4. Beat together well. Follow recipe instructions for beating times. This will develop gluten necessary for bread structure.
5. Cover bowl with a clean cloth, set in a warm spot. I like using the oven, with the oven light turned on. If you have a gas oven, the heat generated by the pilot light is perfect.
6. Let rise according to recipe. The batter will bubble and increase in volume.
7. Uncover bowl, stir down the batter. This just means to stir until the volume decreases, and bubbles break.
8. Add any additional ingredients called for in recipe, such as cheese, nuts, or seasonings.
9. Grease and flour loaf pans. The size should be that called for in the recipe.
10. Pour batter into loaf pans. Cover again and place in warm place.
11. Let rise according to recipe. Be careful not to jostle the pans or the bread may fall.
12. Preheat oven and bake according to recipe. Bread is done when it is firm, has risen some more (that's called oven spring), is well browned, and sounds hollow when lightly tapped.
13. Remove from oven, remove from pans, and let cool on wire rack. Or heat hot with butter melting into every piece!

Tips:

1. Read the expiration dates on the yeast packages carefully. If the dates are expired, the yeast won't work as well - if at all.
2. Using a thermometer to check the temperature of the water is a good idea until you are experienced. The water should be about 110 - 115 degrees.
3. Make sure to beat the batter well. Gluten formation is necessary to trap air bubbles and create nice texture.

What You Need:

• Bowl
• Recipe
• Yeast
• Flour
• Water