Buttermilk & Honey Bread

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 6-6 1/2 cups unbleached white bread flour
• 1 egg, to glaze

Directions

1. 1

   Lightly spray two small or one large loaf pan with non stick cooking spray or coat with melted butter.

2. 2

   Set them on a baking sheet and set aside.

3. 3

   In a kitchen aid mixing bowl, hand whisk the water, yeast and sugar together and let stand for 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in buttermilk, butter, honey, salt and half the flour.

5. 5

   Stir with a wooden spoon.

6. 6

   Fit machine with a dough hook, then kneading, add in more flour as required to make a soft, but firm dough, about 8- 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise 45- 90 minutes until doubled in size.

8. 8

   Gently deflate dough and divide into two or keep as one loaf.

9. 9

   Shape into oblongs and place in prepared loaf pans.

10. 10

    Insert loaf pans into a large plastic bag and let rise until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

11. 11

    Glaze well with a beaten egg.

12. 12

    (You can also brush loaf with melted butter).

13. 13

    Preheat oven to 375°F.

14. 14

    Place breads in oven and bake about 45 minutes until well browned.

15. 15

    Turn breads out onto a cooling rack and cool well before slicing.