Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. The "Old Fashioned Sage Loaf" is not just any bread; it’s a delightful blend of rustic flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy farmhouse. With its golden crust and soft, sage-infused interior, this loaf is perfect for elevating any meal or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Are you ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make recipe? Let’s dive into the world of baking and create something truly special!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot when you're ready to bake the loaf.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dried sage. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Once the yeast is ready, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 20-30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Then, shape it into a loaf by flattening it gently and rolling it tightly.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the towel and let it rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Once the loaf has risen again, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your Old Fashioned Sage Loaf fresh, or store it in an airtight container for later use!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, ensure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm water, it may be inactive, and you’ll need to start with a new packet.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your water is warm (about 110°F or 43°C) but not hot, as this can kill the yeast. A quick test is to dip your finger in; it should feel warm but not uncomfortable.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This helps develop gluten, giving your loaf a nice structure.
- Proofing: Find a warm spot for the dough to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on the oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside, covered, to rise.
- Check for Doneness: The loaf is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
- Storage: To keep your Old Fashioned Sage Loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
