Stupid Mummy Alert - BREAD... how? Is it expensive?

[Alambil]

How do I make bread?

I think DS would love to make some rolls or something - is it easy enough for a 5 yr old to do?

I am so ashamed.... I don't know how to make bread!

look at delia

yes it's easy for kids .. but you do it in stages so decide which stage to include him in if he's not good at waiting

YOu can get bread mixes at supermarket with all instructions if you want to break yourself in gently

www.deliaonline.com/recipes/plain-and-simple-white-bread,1350,RC.html

Yes, it is easy. All you need is some strong flour and some yeast (you already have salt, water and sugar I expect). Either of these will have instructions on the packet.

I do feel Delia makes it sound rather complicated. You don't need to use loaf tins - you can just shape the dough on a baking tray.

Can you keep the dough over night? I mean, could we make the dough, then leave it to finish the baking the next day?

I have sugar, salt and water lol; will price up the flour and yeast

Flour & yeast aren't that dear. I'm shocked by how cheap flour is at times

Strong white flour or bread flour? What's the difference (other than price!)...

I am so embarrassed - what silly questions!

Ignore me - answered my own question!

I am going to give it a go... will get the stuff tonight in Asda and see what happens. Won't make it til some time in the week though I don't think

Ok another dimwit question....

When a recipe calls for soft margarine - does it mean Flora?

And, why would you use margarine in bread? I'm pretty sure I never used to!

Dont use Flora - it says on the side 'unsuitable for baking'. When you look in the shops it'll tell you on the packet what you can use it for. I've used marg in bread before...

Have fun!

The marg or butter is to improve the taste of the bread and make it keep longer (I'm a saddo who's just read a book on making bread ) You can use butter or oil if you like.
You can certainly make your dough in the evening and leave it to prove overnight - that'll improve the flavour and texture - but do it in a cool place, maybe even the fridge, to slow down the rising or you'll have a bread mountain in the morning!
I've got a few recipes - shout if you want me to post them on here.

Lewis - I made some bread a few weeks ago for the first time and trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!!

Just be warned there's a lot of hanging around - leaving the dough to sit (which you can do overnight) then kneading it again and letting it sit in the tin or whatever.

I don't actually know if it was cheaper than buying it though....but oh, the test of warm bread, melting butter and Bonne Maman strawberry jam......drooooool!

I can't wait for the smell Waynetta!!

I have managed to get the yeast AND a bag of flour for £1 and it is only to make rolls for DS for teatimes. I will freeze the batch so it lasts longer too.

I am off to make the dough now and leave it overnight - will let you know how it goes!

Scooter I'm just going to try the "typical" flour/water/yeast/salt bread for the first time; I can't afford the butter for this batch so may try it next time

How did it go?