English Muffin Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups skim milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup water
• cornmeal, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 packages of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Add 2 cups of warmed skim milk and 1/2 cup of water; beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is mixed well.
3. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy.
4. Stir in the remaining flour until the batter is stiff; remember, there’s no need to knead here, which is a win for those of us who dread the workout.
5. Spray two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 loaf pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Sprinkle cornmeal in the pans to add that lovely texture and flavor.
7. Spoon the batter into the pans and sprinkle more cornmeal on top to create a delightful crust.
8. Cover the pans and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which should take about 45 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit while waiting. Once the dough has risen, bake for 35 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and your kitchen smells divine.
10. Remove the loaves from the pans immediately and cool them on wire racks; the cooling part is very important, so try to resist the urge to slice them right away.
11. Once cooled, slice and toast the bread to enjoy its unique texture. If you want to save one for later, wrap it in foil and freeze it.