Bread has been a staple in our diets for centuries.
Just think about it – the tantalizing scent of a loaf baking, filling every nook and cranny of a home.
It’s hard not to be drawn to the warmth of a freshly baked loaf, isn’t it?
But let’s be real, not all of us have the knack or the tools to whip up a loaf from scratch, not to mention, the patience it requires.
It’s no wonder many of us just swing by the local bakery to grab a loaf.
Now, here’s a little secret.
Most of us have a hidden gem tucked away in our kitchens, waiting to be used for fresh bread.
It’s not some futuristic device, but a simple tool we often use for our hearty soups and comforting stews.
Drumroll, please… It’s the slow cooker! Surprised? I was too.
Thanks to Danielle Luttrell, a passionate home cook, the world got to know about this nifty bread-baking hack.
Her online post spread like wildfire, and has helped many people who want to make their own bread at home, without a lot of work or spending extra money.
She says:
“Last night I made.. Bread!! I’ve wanted a bread machine for years but couldn’t justify the extra counter space and another appliance in the kitchen. This works perfect and tastes so good – one less thing to buy on my weekly shop!”
Feeling adventurous? Gather these ingredients:
Warm water (1/2 cup)
Warm milk (2 cups)
Melted UNSALTED butter (2 tablespoons)
Sugar (1–3 tablespoons, depending on how sweet you like it)
Active dry yeast (3 teaspoons)
Whole wheat flour (6 cups, or you can do half whole wheat and half all-purpose)
Salt (2 teaspoons)
Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
(Just a heads up, these quantities fit snugly in a regular-sized slow cooker.)
Kick things off by blending the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a spacious bowl.
Give it about 5 minutes; you’ll see it froth up like a bubbly bath.
While you’re waiting, give the milk and butter a quick zap in the microwave.
Once your frothy concoction is all set, mix in the warm milk and butter.
Now, here comes the fun part – slowly stir in the flour, salt, and baking powder. If you’ve got a standing mixer, it’ll be a breeze.
Once everything’s mixed in, roll up those sleeves and knead the dough for a good 5 minutes.
Next, add some parchment paper to your slow cooker.
Mold your dough into a lovely ball and nestle it inside.
As the yeast does its magic and the dough gets all warm and fuzzy, it’ll rise a bit. Crank up your slow cooker to High and let it bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Peek in every so often, especially after the 2-hour mark. You’re aiming for a top that’s soft yet bouncy to the touch.
Oh, and if you’re in the mood for a crispy crust, slide the loaf under a broiler for a smidge.
Just keep a sharp eye; we don’t want any charred surprises!
This bread-making method is a game-changer.
It’s straightforward, easy on the wallet, and ideal for those juggling a hectic schedule or working with a modest kitchen setup.
So, the next time that bread craving hits, and you yearn for that homemade touch, just remember your dependable slow cooker.
Dive in and let the baking adventures begin!
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