Ruxy's Bread

Ruxy's Bread: The Perfect Recipe for Fluffy Braided Bread

Who doesn't love the fresh aroma of warm bread, straight out of the oven? Today's recipe, known as "Ruxy's Bread", is a marvel I discovered and that has captivated me irreparably. With a fluffy texture and a golden crust, this bread will not only enhance your meals but also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let's embark together on the fascinating world of homemade bread!

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Kneading and rising time: 1.5 hours
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours
- Number of servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour (preferably a mix of bread flour and ciabatta flour)
- 600 ml lukewarm water
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 packets of dry yeast (about 14 g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)

A Brief History of Bread:
Bread is a staple food in many cultures around the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. From flatbreads baked on stones to the most sophisticated recipes today, the evolution of bread showcases not only human ingenuity but also the importance of this food in our daily diet. Ruxy's Bread is a modern reinterpretation of an ancient tradition, combining simple techniques with quality ingredients.

Step by Step: Making Ruxy's Bread

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. The flour should be fresh to achieve the best texture. Choose quality flour specifically designed for bread, which contains a higher gluten content, helping to create fluffy bread.

2. Mixing ingredients in the bread machine:
- Start by adding the liquids: pour the lukewarm water and olive oil into the bread machine's bowl. It's important that the water is lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can destroy the yeast.
- Add the salt and sugar (the sugar helps activate the yeast).
- Sifting the flour is an important step; do it to aerate the ingredient and eliminate any impurities.
- Finally, add the dry yeast. Ensure the yeast does not come into direct contact with the salt at first, as the latter can inhibit the yeast's action.

3. Setting the program: Choose the kneading and rising program (program 13 for the Moulinex machine), which lasts about an hour and a half. This will allow the yeast to activate and work its magic, resulting in a fluffy and elastic dough.

4. Manual kneading:
- After the program is complete, remove the dough from the machine. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and knead the dough for a few minutes. This will help develop the gluten, making the bread fluffier.
- Dividing the dough into 3 equal parts is essential. Use a knife or a dough cutter.

5. Braiding the bread:
- Take the three parts of dough and shape them into long rolls.
- Braid them carefully, ensuring they are well integrated. This will not only make the bread look fantastic but will also contribute to an even texture.

6. Second fermentation:
- Place the braided bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving fluffy bread.

7. Preparing for baking: Before placing it in the oven, mix the egg yolk with the milk and carefully brush the surface of the bread. This will give it a beautiful, shiny crust.

8. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C. It is recommended to place a container with water in the oven during preheating, as the steam will help the bread rise beautifully.
- Place the tray with bread on the bottom rack of the oven to avoid burning from above. Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 160°C and continue baking for another 10 minutes.

9. Cooling: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This step is crucial for maintaining the fluffy texture of the bread.

Serving Suggestions:
Ruxy's Bread pairs perfectly with fresh butter, fruit jam, or cheese. You can serve it alongside a warm soup or a platter of olives and fresh vegetables. It is also ideal for making delicious sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount (about 3-4 g for each packet of dry yeast).
- Why isn’t my dough rising? Make sure the yeast is active. Test it by placing it in lukewarm water with sugar; if bubbles form, it is active.
- What can I do if the bread burns on top? Cover the bread with aluminum foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Nutritional Benefits:
Homemade bread is a healthy alternative to store-bought products, containing fewer preservatives and additives. Whole wheat flour provides fiber and essential nutrients, while olive oil adds healthy fats.

Personalized Variation:
To give it a special touch, you can add dried herbs (such as rosemary or oregano) to the dough. Additionally, nuts or seeds can be included to add extra flavor and texture.

This braided bread recipe is not only easy to make but also filled with love and passion for cooking. So, embrace the adventure of making bread at home and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Thank you, Ruxy, for this wonderful recipe!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour (I used special flour for homemade bread mixed with ciabatta) 600 ml lukewarm water 6 tablespoons olive oil 2 packets of dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons of salt 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon milk

 Tags:  fluffy bread braided bread