Bread Ii
A classic homemade bread with a hearty texture and slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or as a side, suited for bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar; let sit until bubbly.
- Meanwhile, melt 3/4 cup lard.
- Add cooled (warm) lard, salt, sugar or honey, and flour to the yeast mixture.
- Beat with a beater and knead well.
- Let the dough rise for 10 minutes.
- Knead until elastic.
- Let rise until double in size.
- Punch down the dough.
- Let rise again.
- Shape into 6 loaves.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Grease and cover with wax paper and cloth to steam.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the yeast activates properly, make sure the water is warm but not too hot; around 110°F is ideal. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider using the full cup of honey instead of just 3/4 cup sugar. For a softer crust, brush the loaves with melted butter right after baking. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious served warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Supreme Garden Bean Salad for a light meal or alongside classic soups. For a delightful breakfast, try it toasted with a spread of jam or honey, or serve it with Apple And Cinnamon Sweet Rolls for a sweet brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Ii contains roughly 155 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1270mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
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 instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there's no need to activate it in water first. Simply mix it directly into the dry ingredients for a quicker process.
What if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure your water was the right temperature. If it's cold, it can kill the yeast, and if it's too hot, it can deactivate it.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor of your bread by adding herbs, cheese, or even garlic to the dough before the first rise. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture, which can affect the dough's 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).