Stephen King'S Bread
Stephen King's Bread offers a hearty, flavorful loaf with a soft crumb and golden crust, perfect for everyday sandwiches or to enjoy with butter. Its rich, slightly sweet taste makes it a comforting choice for bread lovers seeking homemade freshness and warmth in every slice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water with sugar as directed on the package.
- Add the lukewarm milk, sugar, salt, shortening, and half of the flour; mix until smooth.
- Incorporate the rest of the flour until the dough is easy to handle.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a dish towel, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into two loaves.
- Place the loaves in greased loaf pans.
- Brush the loaves with melted butter and let rise for another hour.
- Bake at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
- To test for doneness, tap the loaves to see if they sound hollow.
- Brush with additional melted butter if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and actively bubbling before adding to the mixture. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with equal parts butter or margarine. Use bread flour for a chewier texture. If your dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour gradually until manageable. Kneading well develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or served warm with butter. It pairs beautifully with Philadelphia Butter Cake for a delightful dessert experience. Consider serving it alongside soups or stews, or use it to soak up sauces at dinner. For breakfast, enjoy it with jam or as toast with a side of fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a resealable bag for up to three months. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or toast individual slices to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stephen King'S Bread contains roughly 1264 calories, with 20g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 milk instead of lukewarm milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk for a richer flavor, but make sure it's lukewarm before adding it to the yeast mixture. You can also use non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, adjusting for sweetness as needed based on the specific product.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a too-cool environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and bubbly before mixing. If the kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warmer area, like near a preheating oven, or cover it with a warm, damp towel to encourage rising.
Can I add herbs or spices to the bread?
Absolutely! For added flavor, consider mixing in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as garlic powder. Start with about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen flavoring to enhance the bread without overpowering it. This can elevate your bread to pair well with dishes like Easy Brown Hot Rolls.
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).