I pulled my copy of Beard on Bread today and decided to take on one of his basic white loafs. It seemed straight-forward with the ingredient list. I started converting from cup measure to grams. Given the stated amount the dough hydration came out to 25% ????? So i read his instructions he said to keep adding flour until it wasn't sticky. I don't bake that way! So, I started playing around with the numbers and settled on amounts I know would produce a good loaf in a reasonable amount of time. I had to reduce the flour, salt, and yeast to percents that are tried and true. The loafs came out great and the kids loved them too. So, this will be the daily bread around here till they get sick of it and want something different.
Home-Style White Loaf
makes 2 - Loafs
7 g - yeast
474 g - Milk, Warmed
30 g - Sugar
60 g - Butter, Unalted, warmed to liquid state
15 g - Salt, Kosher
730 g - Flour
Mix milk, butter, sugar, salt. In another bowl of stand mixer, mix flour and yeast. Pour liquids into mixer and knead intill dough is developed (about 4 or 5 with a dough hook for about 5 min with a kitchen-aid). Place in oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl and place in a draft-free spot. Let double. Turn-out, divide, and shape. Place in loaf pan, cover and let double. Bake at 400 degrees F intill tops are lightly browned. Remove from pans and let bottoms lightly brown. Remove from oven and let cool on racks. ENJOY with butter!
