Heritage Soft White Bread
Inspired by the classic recipe from Edna Staebler's beloved cookbook 'Food that Really Schmecks', this Heritage Soft White Bread recipe has been a family favorite for years. With its tender, fluffy texture and delightful aroma, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathering with butter. The versatility of this recipe allows for various modifications; feel free to add your favorite herbs, seeds, or cheese for a personal touch. Watch as the dough transforms into golden loaves, creating memories that will last for generations!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
lukewarm water
3 cups (divided (1 cup for yeast, 2 cups for dough))
white sugar
1/2 cup + 1 teaspoon (divided (1 teaspoon for yeast, 1/2 cup for dough))
traditional yeast
2 tablespoons (sprinkled over water-sugar mixture)
salt
1 tablespoon (added to the dough mixture)
canola oil or melted shortening
1/2 cup (added to the dough mixture)
all-purpose flour
9 cups (added gradually to form the dough)
Instructions
1
In a large, warmed pottery bowl, combine 1 cup of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of white sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2
Once the yeast is activated, stir in the remaining 2 cups of lukewarm water, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and your choice of canola oil or melted shortening. Mix well.
3
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, and stir until the dough becomes too thick to mix with a spoon.
4
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 8 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic, yet still slightly moist.
5
Place the kneaded dough back in the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap and a heavy towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. Check by sticking your finger into the dough; the imprint should remain.
6
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and shape it into loaves. Place the loaves into well-greased loaf pans.
7
Cover the loaves again and let them rise for about an hour until they are puffy.
8
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the loaves for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9
Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy fresh or store for later use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heritage Soft White Bread?
It is a tender and fluffy homemade bread inspired by Edna Staebler's classic recipes.
Who is the inspiration for this bread recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Edna Staebler and her cookbook 'Food that Really Schmecks'.
How long should the yeast sit to become frothy?
The yeast should sit for about 10 minutes in lukewarm water and sugar.
What temperature should the water be for this recipe?
The recipe requires lukewarm water to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
How much yeast is needed for the Heritage Soft White Bread?
You will need 2 tablespoons of traditional yeast.
Can I use shortening instead of canola oil?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of canola oil or 1/2 cup of melted shortening.
What type of flour is best for this bread?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this specific recipe.
How many cups of flour are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for approximately 9 cups of all-purpose flour.
How long should I knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?
The dough has risen enough when it doubles in size and an imprint remains when you stick your finger in it.
Where is the best place to let the dough rise?
The dough should rise in a warm, draft-free area.
How long does the first rise take?
The first rise typically takes between 1 to 2 hours.
What is the purpose of punching down the dough?
Punching down the dough releases the air before you shape it into loaves.
How long is the second rise after shaping the loaves?
The second rise should last about an hour until the loaves are puffy.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake the bread?
The loaves bake for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Should the loaf pans be greased?
Yes, you should use well-greased loaf pans to prevent sticking.
What should I do with the bread after it comes out of the oven?
Remove the loaves from the pans immediately and let them cool on a wire rack.
Can I customize this white bread recipe?
Yes, you can add herbs, seeds, or cheese to create a personal touch.
What kind of bowl is suggested for mixing the dough?
A large, warmed pottery bowl is ideal for mixing the dough.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Absolutely, its tender and fluffy texture makes it perfect for sandwiches.
How much sugar is required for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon of white sugar.
What is the texture of Heritage Soft White Bread?
The bread has a soft, fluffy texture and a delightful aroma.
How much salt is included in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt.
What should the dough feel like after kneading?
It should be smooth and elastic, yet still slightly moist.
Can this bread be used for toast?
Yes, it is excellent for toast, especially when slathered with butter.
Why cover the dough with plastic wrap and a heavy towel?
This keeps the dough warm and prevents the surface from drying out while rising.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is a straightforward and classic family favorite recipe.
How should I store the finished bread?
You can enjoy it fresh or store it in an airtight container for later use.