How can we sort out my Dad's bread?

Question

My parents normally make all their own bread - they don't like supermarket bread, and they do it all without a bread-maker. It is usually my Mum who makes it, but she has gone away on a conference, so it has been left to my Dad. Unfortunately, everytime he makes bread the outside is like rock and the inside turns out stodgy, not light and fluffy. Does anybody have any tips for him? My Mum can;t work out what he's doing wrong, I don't know anything about bread-making as I'm never at home!

Answer 1

He needs to be careful not to add too much flour. As he kneads it, it should be smooth and elastic, but still a little bit sticky. Also, is he letting it rise until doubled? If the kitchen is at all cold, this might be difficult. I like to leave my dough rising in a bowl near a pot of boiling water.

One other thing - is he putting a little sugar or honey in with the yeast to get it going? A teaspoon is about all that you need. Also, if he is using water that is too hot, it will kill the yeast.

Answer 2

Whole wheat Sour Dough
Sponge starter
1 qt. flour
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
warm water
Mix the dry ingredients and mix in enough water to make a rather stiff batter. cover loosly and allow to rise to double the original bulk.
Use as much as needed but always save some to add flour and water to keep the fermentation going

SourDough Whole Wheat bread

1 cup starter
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp shortening
Whole wheat flour
Mix soda and salt with a little flour and add the starter.
Continue to add flour until dough is formed that can be kneaded. Press out flat and spread with shortening and knead it in thoroughly till the dough becomes elastic.
Form into loaves and let rise to double.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 35-40 minutes or till it sounds hollow when you thump it

Answer 3

Hi Hari,
I think for those times your Dad
is in charge of the bread, the
family should invest in a bread making
machine. Think about it; if you all don't
guess who will be kneading and baking
next time around.... yup, you....
Hope he finds the right combination
Have a great weekend and
you can always sneak out and
get a few slices of Wonder Bread....

Answer 4

Sounds like you are over kneading it. Just knead it enough to make it rubbery and stiff and stop. Be sure to follow the directions on the yeast package as well. Teh water must be the proper temperature. Don't add the salt too soon or you will kill the yeast.

Answer 5

Bake it at a lower heat. I usually bake mine at about 350% tell it is golden brown on the out side. I have made bread for a lot of years. So try the lower heat. Then when you take it out of the oven brush it with butter all over, that will help keep it soft.