As the weeks spent in quarantine and self-isolation pile up, the desire for friends and the comfort of normalcy may become more desperate.
The situation surrounding the pandemic is riddled with uncertainty, making a lot of people understandably uneasy. However, due to the yeast and flour shortages occurring nationwide, it seems that baking bread is an effective way of somewhat alleviating the stress of everyday life.
“In times of crisis, people covet creature comforts, and few things are as simple, yet satisfying, as freshly baked bread,” stated the Globe and Mail.
Using only four ingredients, a crusty homemade loaf of Artisan Bread is arguably the most natural bread to make, and an easier way to pass the time.
Firstly, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and then mix them all into the dough. Mix 3 1/4 cups of bread flour (all-purpose flour works as well, however bread flour creates a doughier bread), two teaspoons of instant yeast (active dry yeast can be used as a substitute, it will just result in longer rising time), two teaspoons of salt and 1 1/2 cups of cool water into a bowl. Begin mixing with a spatula, then use your hands to make sure all the ingredients are well-mixed. No kneading is required for this recipe.
Secondly, you will need to let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, covering the dough. You can then use the dough immediately, or let it sit for between 12 hours and three days in the refrigerator.
“The longer it sits, the better it tastes,” stated 9 To 5 Hacks.
Preheat your oven to 475F before molding your dough into either two loaves or one boule (one big circle loaf). Bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Tap the loaves after you take them out to check if they sound hollow, which would mean they are done. Bread is also an easy option for a side dish. This quick cheese bread goes great with soup, especially and requires only eight ingredients. First, mix 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of cheese. In a separate bowl, mix one beaten egg, 3/4 cup of milk and 1/3 cup of oil. After everything is all mixed, pour your flour mixture into the bowl with the egg in it, stirring as you pour. Preheat your oven to 400F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Pop your loaf in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until you can poke a toothpick into the loaf and it comes out clean.
