Hobblegrunt's Hearty Cloud Bread
Inspired by the charming, mutable dragons of the clouds, this bread is light, fluffy, and surprisingly sturdy, perfect for dipping into stews or serving alongside a morning meal. Its unique texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a wonderful companion to many dishes, much like the adaptable nature of its namesake.
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- 2
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Pour in the melted butter and continue to mix until the butter is incorporated and the dough comes together.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should bounce back when gently poked.
- 5
Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 6
Gently punch down the risen dough to deflate it. Shape into a round or oval loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 7
Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffed up.
- 8
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack in the middle.
- 9
Brush the top of the risen loaf with the lightly beaten egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
- 10
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- 11
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. It's best enjoyed warm on the day it's made.