4 1/4 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons lard
1/2 cup milk, scalded
1 cup water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg yolk
3 1/2 tablespoons sugar or honey
If you want your bread to rise higher and be lighter, scald the milk. Yes, it does make a difference. There is a protein in milk which also exists in non-fat dry milk solids, that has been proven to retard yeast development. Scalding and skimming the milk removes some of this protein, making for a lighter bread product.
Note: That having been said, you may opt to skip the scalding process if you're in a hurry, and you will still have a flavorful loaf of bread, albeit a somewhat heavier one than if you had taken the extra step.
In a small saucepan, bring milk nearly to a boil, (little bubbles will begin to form around the edges of pan). Remove immediately from heat and allow to sit without stirring or moving for about 20 minutes. A film will form on the surface of the milk. Skim this protein layer off carefully with an upside-down spoon, removing as much as possible.
Add butter, lard, salt, and allow to cool to lukewarm before adding to remaining ingredients in bread machine. This makes a 2 lb. loaf of bread.
This makes a rich, tasty white bread with a nice crust that keeps well.
