Aunt Eva'S Bread
A versatile homemade bread with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast, appealing to both beginner and experienced bakers seeking warm, fresh bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Let sit until the yeast activates and becomes frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add melted shortening and oil to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour, kneading until the dough is elastic and slightly sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or desired shape.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Let the dough rise again until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Consider adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor. To test if the yeast is active, look for a frothy layer on top of the water mixture after 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Eva's Bread is perfect for toasting or as a base for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh Sweet And Sour Vegetable Salad. For a delightful breakfast, serve slices with butter and jam. This bread can also be used for French toast or as a side for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Eva'S Bread contains roughly 828 calories, with 14g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a denser bread, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly for the right dough consistency.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a preheating oven. If the dough still doesn't rise, it may be best to start over with fresh ingredients.
Can I add ingredients like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries during the kneading process. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if adding a significant amount so that the dough maintains its texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).