I think it’s safe to say that we are facing very scary, uncertain timesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Few things bring us comfort right now, one of those being warm, satisfying delicious breadGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Plain, sweet or savory, choose your preferenceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Me personally, I like a little bit of both, which is why in this weeks recipe, I chose to go with a quick and easy bread recipe that can be made in so many different variations, you will be adding it to your weekly kitchen routineGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Plain ol’ bread, sweet cinnamon swirl bread or cheesy savory breadGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Make it your wayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Mix it up as you please and create your own versions! Tag us on Instagram with and share your pictures and experienceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The following recipe will make two loafsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Choose any of the variations to tryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. My personal fave is the cinnamon swirl! Here’s to comfortGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Here’s to breadGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 cups warm water (not hot)
• 2 teaspoons (one packet) active-dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons soft butter for the coating baking trays

Recipe

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and saltGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. In a separate bowl, add the sugar and waterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Sprinkle the yeast on top but do not mixGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Let this sit for 15 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and mix until the flour is absorbedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set aside in a warm spot to rise for an hourGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• Once the dough rises, preheat the oven to 425ºF and prepare your baking trays by greasing them with the butterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• Punch down your dough with a spatula or fork, scraping it from the sides of the bowl in a folding manner to loosen the dough away from the sidesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Divide the dough into two equal parts and place into prepared baking traysGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The dough will be very wetGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• At this time, you can slowly incorporate any other ingredients to change the flavorGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. See variations belowGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• Let the dough rise again for about 20 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• Bake for 20 minutes at 425ºF then reduce the heat to 375ºF and bake for 20 minutes longerGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Remove from the oven and turn the loaves over to continue baking for 5 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Remove from oven and let cool before cuttingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Variations

Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Blend together 1/2 a cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of melted butterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Swirl the mixture into the dough and let rise for 20 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Top with cream cheese icingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. You can make this simply by mixing 1 tablespoon of icing sugar (powdered sugar) with 1/2 a cup of cream cheeseGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Drizzle the loaf once it comes out of the ovenGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Cheesy Sun dried tomato Bread: Blend together 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, 6 sundried tomatoes chopped, 2 spring onions, a few leaves of fresh basil and a tablespoon of olive oilGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Slowly incorporate the mixture in the dough and let rise for 20 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Olive Bread: Mix together a small onion diced, remove pits from about 15 olives and half themGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Add a tablespoon of crushed dried mint and a tablespoon of olive oilGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Slowly incorporate the mixture in the dough and let rise for 20 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Halloumi Bread: Mix together 4 spring onions, one halloumi cheese cut in small cubes, add a tablespoon of crushed dried mint and a tablespoon of olive oilGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Slowly incorporate the mixture in the dough and let rise for 20 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Pizza Bread: Add any pizza ingredients you like, estimating 1 cup all togetherGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Slowly incorporate the mixture in the dough and let rise for 20 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Avoid saucesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Instead of tomato sauce, use tomatoesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Tips

• Try not to over mix the doughGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• If incorporating other ingredients, stick to mostly dryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The dough is already very wetGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• Make sure your oven is pre heated before adding the breadGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• If using instant yeast, incorporate it into the flour mixture straight away along with the rest of the ingredients, leaving the water lastGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
• Using ovenproof bowls works great for baking these breadsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

And there you have it! Cake pops! Post your pics and tag us and !