Super Easy Thyme Bread

(Sorry for the ridiculously dark picture. I promise I wasn't baking in a cave.)

We made this last week and it was instantly gobbled up by my girls. 

As you know, I seriously dislike baking (all those exact measurements make me cranky!), but this recipe was low maintenance and easy to follow. It was ready so quickly and made our house smell wonderful! When my daughter woke up from her nap she proclaimed, "Mommy! Our house smells like toast!"


Like most of my favorite recipes, you probably already have everything you need at home.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Dry Yeast
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (optional) - I kinda laughed when I saw that Thyme was "optional" in Thyme bread, but it really gives it more color than flavor. So if you don't have Thyme-don't stress. It really is optional!
• 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
• 2 cups Hot Water (120-130 Degrees F.)
• Sea Salt (optional)
• A Cake Pan Of Hot Water

Directions

Mix 3 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar, thyme and salt. Pour in the hot water and beat 100 strokes (or 3 minutes with a mixer). (Those without a mixer can count their hard work towards their exercise for the day.)

Stir in the remaining flour until the dough loses its stickiness. Turn onto a floured surface. Knead for 8 minutes. (Yes, you may also count this towards your work-out for the day.)

Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a warm damp cloth. Let rise for 15 minutes in a warm spot (away from drafts).

Punch down (kids love this part) and divide the dough into two pieces. Shape into round loaves and place on a greased baking sheet. Cut an “X” one-half inch deep in each of the loaves with a wet sharp knife. Sprinkle the tops with sea salt.

Place the baking sheet with the loaves in the middle of a COLD oven. Place a pan of hot water on the lowest shelf. Heat the oven to 400ºF and bake 40–50 minutes until golden brown.

This bread would be excellent served with Tortellini Soup!
Happy baking!