Nothing feels quite as comforting at the start of spring as a warm loaf of homestyle bread served with soft, organic butter—churned to perfection from fresh pasture cream. With its smooth and creamy texture, this authentic butter adds an unmatched richness to every bite.
1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and the melted butter. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a lightly greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. For a golden crust, you can brush the top of the dough with a little milk using a pastry brush.
6. Cover and let the dough rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes, until it puffs up once more.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
