A proud moment!

After much experimentation I think I have finally cracked my first loaf!

The recipe from TFL:

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons yeast
1 1/8 cup water

I went to my local supermarket and bought some new flour (more expensive) and yeast.

This time I kneaded the dough for 12 minuts ...after around 9 minutes there was a marked change in the consistency.

The dough went very creamy with a marzipan-like finish.

I put the dough in a container where I could actually measure when it had risen to twice the size - which was in fact 60 minutes rather than the 90 minutes I had normally left it for.

I shaped it this time ensuring maximum tension across the surface and left it in a warm room for 25 minutes.

The result - a smooth creamy looking dough - my others were not like this!

I heated the oven to 180C and popped the dough in.

After 45 minutes I wrapped the loaf in foil and put it back in the oven for a further 15 minutes.

This time I smelled the lovely aroma of bread rather than yeast or beer!

After the full 60 mins I pulled it out of the oven.....tapping the bottom and it sounds hollow at last!

As for the crust - lovely golden brown and not at all hard.

The bread was then paraded around the house for all to see!

I haven't tasted it yet as it is cooling on the counter.....but I'm sure it will taste amazing.

I can only thank everyone who has provided advice and guidance...thank you all!

Proud as punch!