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flour
- water
- salt
- butter or oil
- leavening agent
The leavening agent is essential because it helps in making the bread soft and light. Yeast is usually used as a leavening agent. Though these are the basic ingredients for bread recipe,breads can be made using many other ingredients like milk, spices ,nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Breads date back to ages past when they were made from grain-pastes. Bread in that form, has survived in the Indian chapatis and the Mexican tortillas which are known as flat-breads. Bread is most popular in western countries, whereas, rice takes predominance in the Asian countries.
Common wheat is usually used for making breads, but rye, maize and barley can also be used. Common wheat makes the bread rise well. The most important element in the recipes for breads is the right amount of the water and flour to be mixed for the dough. There is a special measurement known as the 'Baker's Percentage' that is referred to by professional bakers. The ingredients are measured by weight. Butter, oil are the fats that are usually used in recipes for breads. A fat concentration of 3 percent by weight is ideal.
There are a few basic recipes for breads and many variations can be made on it. There are European sweetbread or the strucla, French bread and the Canadian bread which has high protein levels.
Breads that do not use natural leavening agents and instead use chemical ones like baking powder are known as quick breads. Biscuits, muffins, pancakes and scones all fall under this category.
Breadstick Twists, Skillet Corn Bread, Tortilla-Corn Bread and Buttery Buttermilk Biscuits are delicious recipes for breads and quick breads that are easy to make.
Breads can be eaten by simply toasting them and with butter and jam layered over them. Toasted bread and black tea is a typical breakfast for many. Breads can also be eaten with soups or gravies. Breads are also used to make sandwiches which are a quick snack. There are various recipes for home-made breads available-be it the simple bread, or bread with spices and other ingredients.
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