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Buttercrust BREAD Recipe
Makes 1 loaf |
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A buttercrust loaf is a very tender, basic
white bread loaf. After rising in the pan, the bread is given a slash down
the middle and melted butter is poured over the top, lending a golden hue
when baked. |
 | 2 teaspoons active dry yeast |
| 1/4 cup lukewarm water (95 to 110 degrees F) |
| 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, at room temperature |
| 3 tablespoons sugar
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| 1/2 tablespoon salt |
| 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
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| 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour |
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the water. Set
aside to proof until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, sugar,
salt, and 3 tablespoons of the butter. Stir in the yeast mixture. Add 3 1/4
cups of the flour, a little at a time.
- Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead in the
remaining 1/4 cup flour, continuing to knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until the
dough feels smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic
wrap, and set aside at room temperature to rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2
hours.
- Return the dough to a work surface. Push the dough out into
a rectangle, roll it up, and pinch the ends to seal. Place the roll seam side
down in a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Flatten the dough in the pan to fill it
evenly. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature to
rise until dough reaches the top of the pan, about 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Allow
to cool a bit, but not to solidify. Cut a 1/2-inch-deep slash down the center
of the risen loaf with the tip of a sharp knife or a razor blade. Drizzle the
remaining melted butter into the crevice and over the top of the dough.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until deep golden brown. (When
unmolded, the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.) Remove the
bread to a wire rack to cool.
- Cut thick slices to serve.
From:
Neighborhood Bake Shop by Jill Van
Cleave
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