Farmer's Bread

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Cut in the butter and stir in the yeast mixture. Beat in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Butter a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
4. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form the dough into a large oval loaf. Place onto the prepared pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. When the loaf is risen, cut a 1/2 inch deep cross onto the top of it. Brush the top with water before baking.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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Reviews (32)

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21

DIXIEEDARLIN

Apr. 11, 2003

"This bread was very easy to make! I have been making my own bread for some time now....and this is a wonderful recipe. It helps to put a pan of boiling water on the rack UNDER the rack the bread is ..." See moreon. It makes a nice chewy crust, with warm soft bread on the inside! Thanks for sharing this receipe:)"

13

Amanda Fetters

Apr. 11, 2003

"This bread was yummy, but not as wonderful as I was expecting. It was my first time making bread, so it's possible that I did something wrong! Tastes great with honey drizzled on top...." See more"

12

CLAIREUK

Apr. 11, 2003

"As a first time bread maker I found this recipe very easy to use. The bread was wonderful - great for sandwiches! Excellent!!..." See more"