Basic Bread Recipe

My first baking goal was to reliably bake a good loaf of bread; something that is easy to make, doesn’t use many ingredients, and tastes good. I started with a recipe I found in Adbusters, then changed it to be even easier to make.

Here’s the recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons or 1 packet yeast
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Proof yeast by stirring it into the water and letting sit for 10 minutes.
2. Mix in salt, sugar, and one tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Mix in flour.
4. Cover and rise for an hour or two.
5. Knead for 10 minutes.
6. Form the dough into a loaf.
7. Let rise for another 15 minutes.
8. Cut lines across the top for expansion.
9. Egg wash if feeling fancy.
10. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees on greased baking sheet.
11. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes.
12. Eat!