RECIPE: Soft homemade bread

DAR ES SALAAM: NOTHING makes a home feel warmer than the smell of freshly baked bread. This simple recipe produces a soft loaf that is perfect for breakfast, tea time or children’s lunch boxes.

Makes 1 medium loaf Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

• 1 cup warm water or warm milk

• 1 egg (optional, for a richer loaf) Method

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast.

• Add the butter and rub it lightly into the flour mixture.

• Pour in the warm water or milk and add the egg if using.

• Mix until a soft dough forms.

• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

• Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased bread tin.

• Cover again and let it rise for 30– 40 minutes until puffy.

• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

• Remove from the tin and cool on a rack before slicing.