New England Cottage Bread
A hearty New England cottage bread with a soft crumb and crispy crust, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, appealing to bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure warm water into a mixing bowl.
- Add active dry yeast to the warm water and stir to dissolve.
- Stir in sugar, salt, shortening, and half of the flour.
- Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Mix in the remaining flour thoroughly.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).
- Pour half of the dough into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan and the other half into a 1-quart baking dish.
- Let the dough rise again until doubled.
- Brush the top with melted shortening.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 59 minutes until brown.
- Cover the bread for a softer crust, or brush with butter and leave uncovered for a crunchy crust.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or molasses to the dough. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, using the same amount without dissolving it in water. Ensure your water isn't too hot to avoid killing the yeast; it should feel warm to the touch.
Serving Suggestions
This New England Cottage Bread is perfect served warm with butter or alongside soups and stews. It pairs beautifully with Speedy Cranberry Punch for a festive touch. For a simple meal, enjoy it with a side salad or use it for sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to any table.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover cottage bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Cottage Bread contains roughly 507 calories, with 54g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), protein (108% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour. This will provide a nuttier flavor and a denser texture, but be mindful that it may require a bit more water to achieve the right consistency.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn't rising, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If you suspect the water was too hot or too cold, try placing the bowl in a warm area or using the oven with the light on for a gentle warmth. Patience is key; sometimes, it just needs a bit more time.
Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of your cottage bread. You can mix in about 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs when you combine the other ingredients, or sprinkle fresh herbs on top before baking for an aromatic touch.
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).