Norm'S Bread
Norm's Bread offers a hearty, homemade loaf with a soft crumb and crisp crust, perfect for family meals, sandwiches, or enjoying fresh with butter and jam.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in a quart bowl.
- Add warm water (95° to 98°F) to the bowl with yeast and sugar.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes or until doubled in size.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: milk, sugar, salt, flour, and shortening.
- Mix well and add the yeast, sugar, and water mixture.
- Knead the dough by hand until smooth and light in texture.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 45 minutes in a warm location or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 5 equal parts.
- Fold each part and place in bread pans.
- Let the dough rise for 30 minutes in the pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water temperature is accurate; too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will slow its activation. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or spices into the dough. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit various dietary needs, including vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Peggy'S Chocolate Cake for dessert or can be enjoyed with a spread of butter or jam. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or as part of a brunch spread with Fun Cakes for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the bread, ensuring it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norm'S Bread contains roughly 2998 calories, with 29g protein, 303g carbohydrates, and 188g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), calcium (128% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2797mg per serving (122% 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 part of the all-purpose flour. However, this may affect the texture of the bread. Start with a 50/50 mix and adjust as needed. Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to slightly increase the water or milk in the recipe.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is within the correct range (95° to 98°F). If the dough is still not rising, try placing it in a warmer location or allowing more time for the fermentation process.
Can I add ingredients like nuts or seeds to this bread?
Absolutely! Adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread. Just be sure to incorporate them gently into the dough after kneading. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the baking time, so watch for doneness.
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).