Peggy'S Bread
Peggy's Bread offers a hearty, crusty loaf with a tender crumb, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, showcasing simple ingredients for timeless homemade bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt and sugar to the flour and mix well.
- Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Dissolve the yeast in 4 cups of warm water.
- Add 2 more cups of warm water as needed to form a soft dough.
- Mix the ingredients well with your hands.
- Knead the dough on a hard surface until smooth and well worked together.
- Grease the top of the dough in the bowl.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough.
- Let it rise again until nearly doubled.
- Divide the dough and put it into pans.
- Let the dough in pans rise until it reaches the top of the pans.
- Bake at 350°F until the bread is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour to enhance the bread's texture. If you prefer, you can substitute shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and stews. It pairs beautifully with Grace'S Cranberry Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider slicing it thick and toasting it for a delightful breakfast or brunch option, topped with butter or your favorite spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy'S Bread contains roughly 207 calories, with 5g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 756mg per serving (33% 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 active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe. Simply add it directly to the flour mixture without dissolving it in water first. You may need to adjust the rising time slightly, as instant yeast tends to work faster than active dry yeast.
How can I make this bread vegan?
To make this bread vegan, simply replace the shortening with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly. Just ensure that your yeast is also vegan, which most commercial yeasts are.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure you've used warm water (about 110°F) to activate it. Alternatively, place the dough in a warmer spot, such as near a preheating oven, to encourage rising.
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).