Say you've never made bread before (kind of like me!) and wanted to give it a try.  What's a good first bread recipe?

Any particular brands or types of yeast/flour/etc that I should look out for?

I've got a kitchenaide mixer, and various other tools of the baking trade (wife loves to make cookies and cakes).  I've just not used them a whole lot!

Thanks!
K

Kitchenaid makes it easy.





Use the wire or blade mixer to mix the first part.
1 package yeast (use directions for it. Water and yeast and let it sit 10 minutes.  Don't overheat water.)


1/3 cup sugar or splenda substitute


2 teaspoons salt


2 cups milk


half stick I can believe it's not butter





Now add bread hook and mix in the flour.  Once it comes clean off the side of the bowl you have enough flour.





7 to seven cups Bread flour (Skip all  purpose when making bread)





Let rise inside bowl until doubles in size.





Beat down, cut in half and divide into rolls.  Put in your pans and let rise until double in size again.





Cook 375 until the top is golden brown. 30 minute or so.





Feel free to add a bag of old grated cheese and Italian spices to make some of the best bread ever.
There are probably a hundred variation of this same recipe out there for baked bread.  French bread is just as easy.



Edit.  Yeast is yeast as long as it rises (if it doesn't bubble and have a specific smell you will get to know don't bother using it.).  I am partial to gold medal, but each flour has it's own personality.  I like mixing half and half wheat and white.
 

I have been using this. It turns out great for me.



http://www.theheartofnewengland.com/food-Simple-Bread.html









 

1 and 1/2 cup of tap HOT water
2 tsp salt
2 tlb honey
2 tlb olive oil
2 cup BREAD Flour
2 Cup of whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal...
1 full pkt rapid rize yeast


mix, rise, break, rise, bake....

CHEF

I use the basic recipe for "Artisan bread in 5 Minutes a Day" with good results.

Thanks for the tips!  The bread is currently rising for the first time....

K

I think my first bread came out pretty well!

The smell is divine!  Taste is pretty damn good as well.  

K