Cathy'S Homemade Bread
Homemade bread with a soft, crusty exterior and tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or as a side, suited for bread lovers and home bakers seeking classic taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and Crisco in a large bowl.
- Mix with your hands until well blended.
- Dissolve yeast in 1 quart of warm water and add to the flour mixture.
- Work the mixture until stiff. Grease sides of the bowl and top of the bread dough.
- Let the dough rise until it reaches the top of the bowl.
- Grease your hands and work the dough down.
- Put the dough into greased pans and let rise again.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use warm water around 110°F to activate the yeast properly. If you don't have Crisco, you can substitute with softened butter or olive oil. Make sure to knead the dough until it becomes elastic for a better texture. Additionally, consider adding herbs or spices to enhance the flavor, inspired by American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads. Consider pairing it with Blueberry-Rhubarb Breakfast Sauce for a sweet twist or enjoy it with butter and jam. It’s also delightful with a hearty spread of your favorite toppings, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once baked, let the bread cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in slices, allowing you to reheat individual pieces as needed in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cathy'S Homemade Bread contains roughly 103 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg per serving (26% 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 cake yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for cake yeast. Use about 1 tablespoon of instant yeast, which will allow for a quicker rise. Just mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in water first.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to the yeast being inactive. Ensure your yeast is fresh and check the water temperature; it should be warm but not hot. If the dough still doesn't rise, try moving it to a warmer spot or letting it sit longer.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to this bread?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese, herbs, or even nuts can enhance the flavor of your bread. Just mix these ingredients into the dough after it has come together but before the first rise. Experimenting with different flavors can yield delicious results!
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).