the home baker

These loaves are very easy to make, the slices toast beautifully, they’re crunchy and chewy, and they have the typical nooks and crannies for butter and honey.

I love the nooks and crannies and the super crunchy crust

English Muffin Loaf (makes 2 loaves)

5½ C bread flour

2 packets active dry yeast

1 T sugar

2 tsp salt

¼ tsp baking soda

2 C milk

½ C water

• Grease and sprinkle with corn meal two 8 x 4 loaf pans, set aside.
• In a bowl of stand mixer, mix 3 C flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Heat milk and water to 125 - 130 degrees.
• With mixer on low speed, slowly add the liquid. Increase speed to medium and beat until smooth.
• Add the rest of the flour, half cup at a time and beat until a very stiff dough is formed.
• Spoon dough into the prepared pans. Sprinkle tops with corn meal. Cover with a damp cloth and leave in a warm spot for 45 minutes.
• Bake loaves in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Immediately remove from pans and let cool completely on a rack before slicing.

crunchy chewy, good with creamed organic honey