Getting Started

1. Make bread dough using a recipe of your choice. Follow the directions and create the dough of the type of bread you wish to make.

2. Knead the dough. Lightly cover your work surface and bread dough with flour, then work the dough between your hands. This is known as kneading the dough. You will work one side by pulling it apart then pushing it together, then flip the dough over and work the other side in the same manner. Work the dough for eight to nine minutes, until it is soft to the pull.

3. Let the bread rise. Place the kneaded dough inside a bowl that you have greased. Then cover it with a damp towel until it has expanded to twice its original size. This usually takes about an hour.

4. Punch the dough. Just as it sounds, you will beat the dough down on the floured surface. Punch it, work it, then roll it out. Roll it back up, but make sure all the air pockets are worked out. Form it tightly into the oiled mold you desire it to be baked in. Cover the dough again for about 45 minutes or an hour to let it rise for a second time. It will be done rising when it has again doubled in size.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the bread is rising.

6. Bake the bread. Once the oven has had time to heat up, place the bread in the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. You will know the bread is done when it is golden brown on top. When you tap on the top of the bread it should echo a sort of hallow sound back. Take the bread out of the oven and let it cool. After it is done cooling, it is ready to eat.