Very easy bread for new bakers (re-post)

(A re-post as there was some kind of weird formatting going on) (Marginally better-scroll down for post!)

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During this difficult time, many people were not able to stock up on groceries and find themselves without bread. Or ...they have time on their hands and want to try their hand-just to do something interesting- and perhaps have a few supplies on hand. I have several suggestions.

First of all, making bread can be both complicated and easy. Try easy at first.

1. NON YEAST_BAKING SODA RISEN:

IRISH SODA BREAD is one of the easiest. In about 40 minutes,start to finish, you can have a hot,fresh loaf of Soda Bread that will do for sandwiches, butter & jam or even as a sweet bread if sugar and fruit are added. It can even be made into biscuits.

HERE is a link for a recipe here on TFL. If you don't have buttermilk, use homemade soured milk-to 1 cup milk, add 1-2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit and then substitute cup for cup.If you don't have Cream of tartar, just add baking powder instead.

If you want other recipes for an Irish Soda Bread, just enter "Irish soda" or even just "Soda" into the search field.

2. YEAST BASED_NOT COMPLICATED

EASY BREAD BY JACQUES PEPIN is a wonderful recipe that could not be easier.

HERE is a link to the YouTube video in which he makes the bread. It's about halfway into the video. If you don't have a non stick 4 qt oven proof pan, then just sub. a corning casserole dish-well oiled or well oiled and flour coated.

Here is the recipe:

Jacques Pepin Easy Bread

Makes 1 round loaf

2 1/4 c tepid water

2 tsp salt

1 tsp plus a little more active dry yeast

4 cups (about 1 1/4#) all purpose flour

Combine the water,salt,yeast and flour in a non-stick 2 qt dish that can be put in the oven for baking (I use Corning csseroles)

Stir gently to mix into a shaggy dough

Cover and set aside for 1-2 hrs

Remove the cover and give the dough a good stir or two.

Cover the pot and refrigerate for 10-12 hrs

Preheat the oven to 425F

Remove the cover and bake about 40 minutes-until top is golden brown

Remove from the oven and let cool a few minutes before dumping bread out of the pot.

Cool a bit before cutting. Enjoy!

Unless you want to commit to a learning curve, I really don't recommend gong down the sourdough path of breadmaking. Making a sourdough starter when you have never ventured into that can be an overwhelming task. So, start easy and enjoy the product quickly.

If anyone else has easy recipes to contribute, feel free to add. The purpose of this, though, is to provide information to people trying to accomplish a successful loaf while in isolation,trying to use limited supplies on hand or just trying to maintain their sanity and stay occupied during this time.

Have fun! Stay sane! Stay safer at home! We are all in this together.