I am a bit too lazy when it comes to making bread. All that  little I bake is for my hubby who is an absolute fan of good bread (and it looks like the little one is walking that path as well). I normally would like to go n’ grab the bread from the bakery or supermarket, but do agree that a nice homemade loaf works infinitely better. I did this with the multigrain bread-mix from Mishalle’s and glad that it turned out well, with a nice crust and a light chewy texture – works well for an open-faced sandwich, or just slice them thin, toast lightly and have with a generous spread of butter.

You need –

To make the started

• Instant dry yeast – 2 teaspoons
• Luke warm water – 2/3 cup
• Bread flour – 1 cup

For the dough

• Multigrain bread mix – 3 cups (i used the Mishalle’s)
• Bread flour – ½ cup
• Salt – 1.5 teaspoons
• Water – 1 cup

How to –

Make the starter, in a mixing bowl; stir the yeast into the lukewarm water. Let stand until foamy. To the yeast mixture add the flour and mix well till combined and forms a thick batter. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set aside in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or till batter is foamy.

Once the starter is ready, make the dough – In large mixing bowl combine the salt and the flour. Make a well in the middle, add the starter and start to knead the dough adding the water gradually till the dough is sticky. Remove the dough and place it on a floured work surface or in a stand mixed and knead the dough for about 10 minutes till smooth, elastic and comes of clean from your hands.

Note – If the dough is too sticky then add a little more flour or if too dry then add little lukewarm water to get the consistency right.

Oil a large bowl and place the dough; cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit until the dough doubles in size (it took me about an hour). Once doubled in size punch the dough and divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Shape the dough into a round shape and place in a baking tray lined with baking sheet. You can make 1 inch deep slashes and dust the dough with some flour. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and set a in warm place to double in size (about an hour or 2).

Pre-heat the oven to 200 C. Once the dough has doubled in size; bake them for 45 minutes or till bread has nicely browned on top and sounds hallow when tapped. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy this freshly baked bread with your favorite spread, soup or salad 🙂