Water Bread stands as a simple yet essential creation in the world of baking, highlighting the art of transforming basic ingredients into a staple that nourishes and comforts. The very name “Water Bread” hints at its humble nature, highlighting the use of water as a primary liquid component instead of the traditional milk or buttermilk. This bread invites us to discover the beauty in simplicity and the magic that unfolds within a loaf of bread.
Water Bread embodies the history of sustenance and resourcefulness. Throughout various cultures and time periods, bread recipes utilizing water instead of milk have been essential for providing nourishment even when dairy products were scarce. While the specific origins of Water Bread may not be widely documented, its concept has existed for centuries as a testament to humanity’s ingenuity in making the most of available ingredients.
In many cultures, bread has held a sacred place in daily meals, rituals, and celebrations. Water Bread embodies this tradition by offering a blank canvas of flavor that can be enjoyed on its own, paired with spreads, or used to create hearty sandwiches. The act of making Water Bread is an act of connection, bridging generations and cultures through the simple yet powerful act of baking.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cupfuls boiling water
- 2 tablespoonfuls Crisco (shortening)
- 1 tablespoonful sugar
- 2 teaspoonfuls salt
- 1/4 yeast cake dissolved in 1/4 cupful lukewarm water
- About six cupfuls sifted flour
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combining Crisco, Sugar, and Salt:
- Mix 2 tablespoonfuls of Crisco, 1 tablespoonful of sugar, and 2 teaspoonfuls of salt.
- Adding Boiling Water:
- Pour 2 cupfuls of boiling water over the Crisco, sugar, and salt mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Dissolving Yeast:
- Dissolve 1/4 yeast cake in 1/4 cupful of lukewarm water. Yeast activates in warm water, fostering the bread’s rise.
- Mixing in Flour:
- Stir in enough sifted flour to create a batter-like consistency.
- First Kneading:
- Beat the mixture well, then gradually add more flour, a little at a time, to create a stiff dough. Use a knife to mix the dough until it comes together.
- Kneading and Rising:
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to the board.
- Overnight Rising:
- Place the kneaded dough in a bowl greased with Crisco.
- Cover the bowl closely and allow the dough to rise in a warm place overnight.
- Morning Kneading:
- In the morning, knead the dough again until it becomes fine-grained and smooth.
- Shaping and Second Rising:
- Shape the dough into loaves and place them in a warm, Crisco-greased pan.
- Cover the pan and let the loaves rise until they double in bulk.
- Baking Process:
- Preheat your oven to a hot temperature.
- Once the loaves have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for approximately one hour, ensuring they are baked through and have a golden crust.
In conclusion, Water Bread captures the essence of nourishment and tradition, offering a simple yet satisfying loaf that embodies the history and spirit of bread-making. From the transformation of basic ingredients to the aroma of freshly baked bread, Water Bread reminds us of the timeless role that bread plays in our lives and the comfort it brings to tables around the world.
