“Bread in a Bag” is a simple method for making homemade bread that requires minimal ingredients and equipment. It’s a popular recipe for camping, outdoor activities, or when you don’t have access to a traditional oven. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Seal the bag and shake it to mix the dry ingredients.
- Add Water: Pour the warm water into the bag. Seal it tightly, removing excess air, and knead the bag to mix the water and dry ingredients until you have a shaggy dough.
- Let Rise: Place the sealed bag in a warm spot, like near a sunny window or wrapped in a towel. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re camping, you can prepare a campfire or grill with indirect heat.
- Shape: Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough onto it. Gently knead the dough a few times, then shape it into a loaf.
- Bake: If using an oven, transfer the shaped dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet or into a lightly greased loaf pan. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using a campfire or grill, you can wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake it over indirect heat for a similar amount of time.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!
This method is very versatile, and you can experiment with different types of flour, adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to customize your bread to your liking. It’s a fun and convenient way to enjoy homemade bread without a lot of fuss.