Heart Of The Nation Bread
Heart Of The Nation Bread offers a soft, tender crumb with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. Its rich aroma and homemade charm make it ideal for family gatherings or daily bread lovers seeking a comforting, classic loaf made from simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar and shortening.
- Add boiling water and cool.
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and add to mixture.
- Add beaten eggs.
- Gradually add sifted flour and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Shape into rolls and let rise for 2 hours.
- Bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg. You can substitute half of the shortening with butter for a more pronounced taste. When shaping the rolls, make sure to tighten them to create a nice rise. If you want a sweeter option, drizzle some honey on top after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These bread rolls are delightful served warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup. They pair beautifully with Barbecued Chicken for a casual meal. Consider serving them with a side of Pimento Spread for a flavorful twist. For a brunch option, they work well with Easy No Bake Fudge as a sweet treat after your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heart Of The Nation Bread contains roughly 1256 calories, with 23g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2951mg per serving (128% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it in lukewarm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the mixture. This will ensure the yeast is properly activated and will provide a good rise to the bread.
What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or the temperature being too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is warm, not hot. You can try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like an oven preheated to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turned off.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor significantly. You can also fold in shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a cheesy variation. Just be mindful to adjust the flour slightly to accommodate the extra moisture from the cheese.
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).