world bread day 2006

Today is World Bread Day.

I saw this post on Jasmine's blog, Confessions of a Cardamom Addict. It seems that Zorra of Kochtopf, is hosting this event, but was actually started by the UIB (International Union of Bakers and Baker-Confectioners)--they even have a website for this special day (here).

What we need to do, is either make or buy your favorite bread then post about it.

I decided to make my own bread.

Here is the recipe I use for my basic bread (from the yeast packet box):
300g (3 cups) flour
6g (2 tsp) dry yeast
40g (4 1/2 tablespoon) sugar
30g (1/2)beaten egg
175cc (3/4 cup) water
5g (1 tsp) salt
45g (3 1/2 tablespoon) butter
beaten egg to wash the top
flour for kneading and handling

1. In a bowl, put the flour, yeast and sugar and mix lightly to combine. Add the egg and water.
2. When everything comes together, put out onto a floured board
3. Press down on the dough with your fists to take out the air
4. Knead and fold the dough about 100 times, repeating steps 3 & 4.
5. Sprinkle some salt
6. Work in butter by spreading it as you fold and knead the dough.
7. After about 20 minutes of kneading, the dough should be quite thin when pulled apart.
8. Cover and let rest in a warm place for 50-60 minutes. The dough should rise about 2-3times the size.
9. After the 50-60 minutes, poke the dough with your finger and the dough should stay put.
10. Cut the dough into 40-50g pieces (about 12)
11. Round the pieces in your palms
12. Let rest for another 10 minutes, covered.
13. After the 10 minutes, roll out into a triangle.
Roll from the bottom to the tip.
14. Place the rolled tip on the bottom.
15. Let rest for another 40 minutes, covered.
16. Wash the tops with the rest of the beaten egg.
17. Heat your oven to 200C(400F) and bake for 8 - 13 minutes.

Notes: If you want to add a filling, do it at step 13, when rolling up.

I added sweet potato with cinnamon, sugar and sesame seeds to half of the dough. Steam the sweet potato and cool before adding to the dough.


The other half, I added chocolate chips and the rest of the cinnamon, sugar and sesame seeds.

Enjoy!

p.s. There was a huge earthquake just off the coast of the Big Island in Hawaii, this morning, which affected all the islands. I hope all of my family and friends are okay. I heard that the power has been off for most of the day, hang in there! And I hope to hear from all of you soon!