FAVORITE BUTTERMILK BREAD

Favorite Buttermilk Bread image

"Crusty on the outside and tender on the inside, this bread is my family's all-time favorite," reports Michele Surgeon of Medford, Oregon. "Honey helps the crust bake up golden brown, wheat germ adds extra nutrition and the wonderful flavor will likely make it your family's standard for homemade bread, too."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 loaves (12 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

6 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
3 cups warm buttermilk (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup honey
3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup toasted wheat germ
9 to 10 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add buttermilk, butter, honey, salt, baking soda, wheat germ and 4 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. , Turn onto a heavily floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide into thirds. Divide each portion into thirds; shape each into a 12-in. rope. Braid three ropes; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Place in a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Preheat oven to 350°. Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 275mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.