Baking Fresh Hard Dough!

🥖 How to Bake Hard Dough Bread (Caribbean Style)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp butter (softened)

• 1 ¼ cups warm water (not too hot!)

• 2 tbsp powdered milk (optional, for richness)

• 1 tbsp oil (for greasing)

• 1 tbsp melted butter or milk (for brushing on top)

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast, stir gently, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it foams.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and powdered milk (if using).

3. Combine wet and dry:
   Add the yeast mixture and butter to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Knead it out:
   Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (You can use a mixer with a dough hook too.)

5. Let it rise:
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).

6. Shape the loaf:
   Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for about 30–40 minutes.

7. Bake it up:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter or milk for that signature soft shine.

   Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool & enjoy:
   Let it cool on a rack (if you can wait that long 😅). Slice and serve with butter, cheese, ackee, or your favorite spread.

💡Tips:

• Want it extra soft? Add 1–2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk to the dough.

• No loaf pan? Shape it freeform — it’ll still be delicious.

• You can freeze it too! Slice first and toast when needed.