Honey Buttermilk Bread

 

1/4 cup water, (warmed, 110F)

1 pinch sugar

1 packet active dry yeast (rapid rise is fine, too)

1 1/2 cups buttermilk, warmed

2-3 tbsp honey

1 tsp salt

4 1/2 cups flour

1 egg

 

In the bowl of an electric mixer with dough hook, combine all ingredients (except egg). Mix until dough forms a smooth, slightly sticky ball. Knead dough on a floured surface for a few minutes, just until you can shape it into a ball. Don't work too much flour into the dough. It should be firm, but still slightly sticky. Place in greased bowl, covered, to rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Punch dough down and shape into rolls or a loaf. Beat egg slightly and brush top(s) of bread.Preheat oven to 375F while bread rises.

 

Loaf: Place in greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, 40 minutes. Bake 45 minutes, until loaf is browned and sounds hollow when tapped. Cover loaf with aluminum foil if top appears to be browning too quickly.