Last week saw bread week on Great British Bake Off. As I managed to buy the ingredients for making fortune cookies but never got round to making them, I decided I better go for the easy option! Cottage loaf it is then.

I suppose I should start by saying that despite my initial worry that Channel 4 would ruin Bake Off, I am once again enjoying it. I really didn't get why they chose Noel Fielding, but he does the job well. I am converted. (Sorry Mel, Sue and Mary! I will always love you too.) I do find that watching it slightly delayed so I can fast forward the ads helps.

So as I said, I decided that cottage loaf was the most achievable bake for me this week. I'm pleased to say it was a winner. Now I have a food mixer, I was able to use the dough hook rather than spending forever kneading.

It was a totally winner with my boys. Exclamations included "It's like bread from the bakery Mummy" and "I just love it." Now that is a win.

Cottage Loaf

500g Strong white flour
1 sachet of easy bake yeast
1 1/2tsp caster sugar
1 1/2tsp salt
25g butter
300ml warm water

Mix all the dry ingredients into a boel and rub in the butter.
Add the water to make a dough and knead for 10 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl and leave to rise so that it doubles in size.
Knock out the air by kneading a few times and shape into one large ball and one small one. Place the small ball on the large and using a floured finger, push through the centre down to the bottom so that the balls stick together.
Cover with a tea towel and allow to double in size again.
Pre heat the oven to 200C
Bake the bread for around 30 mins. Tap the bottom and if it sounds hollow it is done. Allow to cool and enjoy. Eating it slightly warm is just the best.

Pin it for later:

easy to bake homemade cottage loaf recipe

Next week is caramel week. A seriously bad week for my healthy eating plan. But I have a great millionaires shortbread recipe on its way! Keep a look out!

What do you think of the new Bake Off?