So, I’m thinking of making bread, starting tonight, for completion tomorrow. I plan on using this Alton Brown recipe, since it’s supposed to be easy, and looked good enough on television. I do, however, have two questions:
First of all, I don’t own a stand mixer. Do I have to do anything different if I knead it by hand? Is there a better recipe for that?
Secondly, I’d sort of like to top it with some sesame seeds, because I like sesame seeds. How would I go about doing that in such a way that they don’t, I don’t know, burn?
And, thirdly–other than saying “hi” to Opal–has anyone made this recipe? How did it turn out? Is there a better one that’s even easier?
I don’t know about the Alton Brown recipe, but I learned to make bread by reading the instructions and looking at the pictures in my old Joy of Cooking book. IMHO it’s a lot more fun to do the process literally by hand instead of with a machine.
I think toppings like sesame seeds are added after baking.
It seems complicated and time consuming for a “simple” recipe. You don’t need a mixer, just make sure you have extra flour on hand in case the dough is too wet and you have to add some more.
“5. You do not need to use up all the flour called for in this recipe, or you may need more flour than called for. The amounts vary depending on many factors, including weather, which is why most bread recipes only give an approximate amount of flour needed.”
This is the simplest most foolproof bread recipe I know of. Takes a long time, but 99% of that time just involves letting the bread sit. You don’t need to do anything.
As far as the Alton Brown recipe, yes, you can knead by hand. It takes a long time, but you can do it. Just keep in mind you’ll be kneading for 10-15 min minimum. It’s a workout!
RE: sesame seeds. They should be fine, just sprinkle them on top before you put the bread in the oven. If they don’t stick, brush the dough with butter first.