Classic Bread

Ingredients

- plain flour - fast action dried yeast - salt - sugar (optional)

Directions

1.Put flour in large bowl and put 2 level tsps of salt on one side and the yeast on the other side. 2.Make a well and add 310 ml (11 fl oz) warm water. 3.Mix well with one hand adding a little more if necessary until you form a slightly moist dough. 4.Lightly flour board and knead for 10 mins dusting if too wet. It should be just tacky and smooth a elastic. 5.Put dough in bowl and cover. Leave to prove for a hour or doubled. 6.Knock air out (5 Knocks) and shape in a round 6 inches in diameter or 16 small balls for buns. Leave to rise 30-45 mins until almost doubled. 7.Preheat oven to gas 7. Dust and makes 7 long gashes if a loaf with very sharp knife. 8.Bake just above centre for 20-25 mins or until golden and hollow. 12-15 mins for buns. 9.Fresh yeast use 3/4 oz per 500g flour (1lb 2 oz). Just stir into the water or crumble into flour.