Mom'S Poorhouse Bread
Mom's Poorhouse Bread offers hearty, comforting homemade bread with simple ingredients, perfect for family meals and those who appreciate rustic, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, pour in 4 cups lukewarm water.
- Sprinkle in dry yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Let sit for 15 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add oil and eggs. Stir well.
- Gradually add flour to make stiff dough.
- Knead the dough well until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil the top and bottom of the dough.
- Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Work the dough down and shape into loaves or rolls.
- Place in pans and let rise again until doubled, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, approximately 1 hour for loaves or 30-35 minutes for rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For better flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you're short on flour, you can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Make sure the water is lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast. Kneading thoroughly helps develop gluten, making the bread rise better. For a sweeter touch, consider adding a bit of honey instead of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or served with soups and salads. Try it toasted with butter or as a side for seasonal dishes. It pairs beautifully with Barbara'S Coffee Cake for a delightful brunch spread. Consider serving it alongside a hearty vegetable soup or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil, or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Poorhouse Bread contains roughly 793 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% 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 in this recipe. Use the same amount, but you can skip the activation step; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients. This can save you some time and still yield great results.
Why is my bread dense and heavy?
A dense loaf can be caused by too much flour, not kneading enough, or not allowing it to rise properly. Make sure to measure flour accurately and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Also, ensure the dough has enough time to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even roasted garlic into the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of additional moisture; if you add wet ingredients, slightly reduce the amount of water or flour to maintain the right dough consistency.
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).