Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s combined with the irresistible allure of homemade flavored compound butters. This recipe is a delightful combination of both artisan bread and delectable spreads that will elevate any meal into a special occasion. Get ready to dazzle your family and guests with the delightful flavors and textures of these homemade treats!
Artisan Bread Recipe And Flavored Compound Butters
Ingredients:
For the Artisan Bread:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– Olive oil for greasing
For the Flavored Compound Butters:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Herbs of your choice (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
– Garlic, minced
– Sea salt
– Black pepper, freshly ground
– Lemon zest
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and salt. Slowly add the warm water while stirring to form a shaggy dough.
2. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the flavored compound butters by mixing the softened butter with your preferred herbs, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover the dough loosely with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
7. Before baking, slash the top of the bread with a sharp knife to allow for expansion during baking. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with the flavored compound butters.
9. To enjoy the flavored compound butters, simply spread them on slices of the freshly baked artisan bread. These compound butters also make a delightful addition to grilled meats, steamed vegetables, or even pasta dishes.
The combination of the warm, crusty artisan bread and the aromatic, flavorful compound butters will surely impress your family and friends. Share these homemade treats at special gatherings, or savor them as a cozy indulgence on a quiet evening at home. Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to create your own unique variations of compound butters and make every meal a culinary adventure. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bread and butter with this artisan recipe!
