I took a little time off from my epic bread making saga because I thought I might have a break down from all the epic fails (just kidding, I just don't take failure very well), BUT I HAVE FINALLY MADE A LOAF OF BREAD THAT I AM HAPPY WITH!!!
Sourdough Bread
This was awesome bread! I have to make the recipe a couple more times before I feel I have begun to master bread baking, but I must admit I did a little happy dance when the loaves turned out so well ~yay me!
Recipe source: Our Seven Dwarfs-Sourdough Bread
I found the recipe for the sourdough starter and bread at http://www.oursevendwarfs.com .
1 c. sourdough starter
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
6 c. flour
6 c. flour
4 Tbsp. melted butter
(Shannon and Jill say this ingredient is optional, but for me, it's not optional and no substitution allowed!)
Mix the 1 c. sourdough starter, the water, salt, sugar, and oil together in a large bowl. Add the flour, and mix well. Lightly oil the dough and inside of the bowl, cover and let rise overnight (I like this part, leaving it overnight-seems to agree with my baking skills more).
The following morning, knead the dough for a few minutes (I did this for about 2-3 minutes, using a bit of flour to keep the dough from sticking, kneading until the dough smooth). Divide the dough in 1/2 and place in 2 greased bread pans. Allow the dough to rise until double in size.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Pour the 4 Tbsp of melted butter equally over the two loaves, lightly brushing to cover top of dough (another good part). Bake 40-45 minutes or until the bread is a light golden brown.
Remove from the pans and cool on a wire rack.
Recipe source: Our Seven Dwarfs-Sourdough Bread
:.