Cajun French: le pain (lu pain) – bread
There is something about kneading bread that acts as therapy. For me, it is relaxing and therapeutic – just plain enjoyable. This bread recipe has been developed over time with much testing and adjusting. It is now our go to bread recipe. I use it for all breads adding sweetness where necessary. We do not travel with a mixer so all bread is made by hand. If you use a bread hook or bread machine, you will have to try and decide what works for you.
Mais C’est Bon!
Enjoy!!
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
1 Tbl sugar
1 ½ Tbl active dry yeast
¼ cup honey
¼ cup olive oil
1 ½ tsp salt
5 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
Place sugar in large bowl
Pour warm water over sugar
Add yeast and whisk until yeast dissolves
Allow yeast to proof 5-10 minutes
Combine flours and salt in another large bowl
Once yeast proofs add olive oil and honey, mix with spatula
Hint: measure olive oil first & pour, using same cup measure honey, it will slip out easily
Mix in flour a little at a time (about three vary large spoonfuls) mix with spatula
Once flour and yeast mixture is combined, place mixture on floured surface
Knead for 7 minutes
Place dough in oiled bowl rolling dough to cover with oil
Cover bowl and let rise until doubled (about 1 – 1 ½ hrs)
Gently punch dough down and place dough on floured surface
Cut dough in half and knead each half for 1 minute
If adding herbs, fruit, etc, do it at this stage
Shape dough however you like
Cover and let rise about 30 minutes or until doubled
Bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 30 minutes
This recipe makes a fair amount of bread. I have made poboy loaves, rolls and all sorts of bread shapes. I have also used various spices and herbs to add flavor.
