Milk Bread

Soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious, this simple bake is the perfect way to share the love this Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients:

For the Starter:

• ¼ Cup Water

• ⅓ Cup Milk

• ¼ Cup Bread Flour

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ Cups Bread Flour

• 1 ¼ tsp Salt

• 1 Large Egg, beaten

• ¼ cup White Sugar

• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, cubed

• 1 Package Instant Dry Yeast (7g)

• ½ Cup Warm Milk

• 1 Tbsp Milk

Method:

For the Starter:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together bread flour, water, and milk until very smooth. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often until thick (just before it bubbles). Transfer the starter into a ½ measuring cup. Let cool for 30 minutes.

   
   

For the Dough:

1. Using a stand mixer, combine bread flour, starter, salt, sugar, warm milk, yeast and the egg. Beat on low speed until the dough forms a ball and pull away from the sides, for about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.

2. Add the butter and knead on low speed for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is very smooth and elastic. Scrape down the sides as needed.

3. Remove the dough and shape into a smooth ball. Transfer into a lightly buttered bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

4. Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Butter a 23 x 13 cm loaf pan.

5. Transfer the dough to a flat surface. Knead out all the air and shape into a 22 cm rectangle. Starting at the one side, roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Place the dough into the prepared loaf pan with the seam facing down. Cover the pan and let the dough rise until it comes to the top of the pan.

6. Brush the top of the loaf with 1 Tbsp milk to lightly coat the surface.

7. Bake in the center of the oven for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.

8. Carefully remove bread and place on a wire rack to cool for 1 hour before slicing.

9. Enjoy!