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–+ servings

Farmers Bread

Mark Dexter
Farmers bread is a simple, practical everyday loaf made with water and milk for balance. It’s designed to be:
Soft but sturdy
Easy to handle
Reliable for daily use
This is honest bread — nothing fancy, just well-made.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 35 minutes
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Course Breakfast, Dinner, lunch
Cuisine American, European, Mediterranean
Servings 1 Medium Loaf
Calories 254 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 540 g Bakers Flour
  • 10 g Salt
  • 5 g Bread Improver
  • 150 ml Water Approx.
  • 180 ml Milk
  • 35 g Yeast
  • Mark's note: The combination of milk and water gives a soft crumb without making the bread heavy.

Instructions
 

Mix the dry ingredients

  • Place the bakers flour, salt, and bread improver into a large bowl.
    Mix well to combine evenly.

Add liquids and yeast

  • Add the yeast, then pour in the lukewarm water and milk.
    Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough

  • Turn the dough onto the bench and knead for 8–10 minutes until:
    Smooth
    Elastic
    Soft but not sticky

First rise

  • Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl.
    Cover and leave in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, until doubled in size.

Knock back

  • Gently press out the air.
    This improves texture and even rising.

Shape

  • Shape into:
    A loaf, or
    Small rolls
    Place into a greased tin or onto a lined tray.

Second rise

  • Cover and allow to rise for 30–40 minutes, until well risen.
    The dough should slowly spring back when lightly pressed.

Bake

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (fan 200°C).
    Bake for:
    30–35 minutes (loaf)
    15–20 minutes (rolls)
    Bread is ready when:
    Golden brown
    Firm crust
    Hollow sound when tapped underneath.

Cool

  • Cool on a rack before slicing.
    Farmers bread finishes setting as it cools — patience improves texture.

Ready to use

  • Farmers bread is ideal for:
    Sandwiches
    Toast
    Lunch loaves
    Everyday family use

Mark’s bench-side advice

  • Dry loaf? Too much flour during kneading.
    Poor rise? Liquids too cold.
    Pale crust? Brush lightly with milk before baking.
    Farmers bread is about dependability — simple ingredients, well handled.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 27gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 791mgPotassium: 759mgFiber: 9gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 315IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 255mgIron: 1mg
Keyword baked, comfort food, homemade, yeast bread
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