FARMHOUSE LOAF
Recipe and photo: Rosemary Briggs
The Friday Farmhouse Loaf
A simple, honest white bread with a tight, even crumb—perfect for standing up to thick slices of cold farm butter, rich preserves, or dipping into a hearty winter stew.
- 1 cup warm milk
- 3 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 cups flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon salt (adjust down slightly to 1–1.5 teaspoon if you prefer a less salty crumb)
- 1 egg, beaten (for the egg wash)
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Bloom the Yeast:
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In a small bowl or measuring jug, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and active dry yeast.
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Whisk gently and leave it to sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy and blooming.
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Mix and Knead:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour and salt.
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Pour in the yeast mixture.
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Bring the dough together and knead thoroughly—either by hand for 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or in a stand mixer for 3 minutes.
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The First Rise:
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Lightly oil your bowl and place the dough inside.
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Cover tightly with cling wrap, then blanket it with a heavy kitchen cloth to protect it from cold winter drafts.
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Let it rise until doubled in size.
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Shape:
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Turn the risen dough out onto your workspace.
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Gently flatten it into an even square, then roll it up tightly like a Swiss roll.
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This technique guarantees an even, hole-free crumb structure perfect for slicing.
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Place the rolled dough into a greased or sprayed loaf tin.
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The Second Rise:
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Cover the tin lightly and allow the dough to double in size once more.
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While it rises, preheat your oven to 200°C.
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Bake:
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Just before it goes into the oven, gently brush the top with the beaten egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is a rich golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Serve:
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Turn out onto a wire rack, allow to cool slightly so the crumb sets, then slice and enjoy.
- Karoo Winter Tip:
- On freezing days, look for the warmest spot in the house—near a wood stove, a sunny window sill, or inside a turned-off oven next to a pan of boiling water.
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