Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house? If you’re looking for a simple and delicious bread recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery in no time, look no further! This easy bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, and the addition of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
To start, gather your ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You’ll also need a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and a lightly oiled bread pan.
Directions
In a small bowl, pour the yeast into the warm water and let dissolve. It should become frothy in about 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and slowly pour in the olive oil, maple syrup, and yeast mixture while you stir. Stir until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Don’t skimp on the 5 minute kneading. Set a timer. Sometimes one minute feels like 5 when you first start baking bread.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Don’t worry if it takes longer than an hour to rise. Be patient.
Be careful not to kill your yeast by using water that is too hot. I have tried using hot water in a boiling pot and then carefully placing my bowl of bread dough inside the pot to create a warmer environment. It worked!
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a lightly greased bread pan, cover it with the towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf with a little water and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and you are just too hungry to wait any longer.
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. This easy maple syrup bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own. The sweet touch of syrup adds a delicious flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Yummy Mediterranean-Inspired Sammy
Try making a Mediterranean-inspired veggie sandwich. Layer slices of this homemade bread with hummus, sliced cucumbers, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and fresh spinach. The combination of flavors and textures will make for a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
My go to bread recipe. I loved baking bread with my daughter and delivering it to my brother and his family for them to enjoy. Baking for others is so rewarding! Wrap in a simple cloth and hemp twine for added flair. Just pummeling the bread is a stress reliever.
Nowadays it is hard to be giving as people may eye you with suspicion and wonder if you are really a spy attempting to poison them off. No fear! It is more for you.
So why not give this easy bread recipe a try? With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a homemade loaf of bread that will have your whole family coming back for more. Happy baking!
The Adventure Machine
References/Further Study
https://www.statista.com/statistics/372013/us-maple-syrup-production-by-state
The Adventure Machine 
Leave a comment