How to Make Homemade Bread – 1940’s Style
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I’ve been wanting to make homemade bread since Quarantine began. One thing was holding me back, though. I’ve never made bread and I’ve never worked with yeast. I went ahead and ordered yeast from eBay because the local stores and Amazon were sold out at the time. Everyone was making homemade bread! I guess I wasn’t the only one who suddenly had extra time so I learned how to make homemade bread – 1940’s style – with my grandmother’s recipe!
This recipe is from my grandmother’s 1940’s cookbook. I’m continuing to go through her cookbook to try out vintage cooking methods. The recipes leave out some steps, so I try to add them in when I share them with you.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Shortening
- Water
- Flour
Helpful Tips
I had packets of yeast, so I activated it. I emptied one packet into ¼ cup lukewarm water and stirred for about 5 minutes (until it was foamy and smelled yeasty). Each time the dough had to rise, I left it for 30-60 minutes. I set a timer so I wouldn’t forget. Expect it to take 4-5 hours from start to finish. While the dough was rising, I got things done around the house. The recipe says to reduce the heat to 410-425 degrees after 15 minutes. I reduced it to 425 and it turned out a little darker than I would have liked. Next time I will probably try reducing the heat to 410 degrees to see how much of a difference it makes. The top was a little hard so I put a tablespoon of butter on it. It also added to the flavor.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Grandma’s Parker House Rolls
- Cottage Cheese Bread
- Small Batch Crusty Bread – from Jessie at Life as a Strawberry
Final Thoughts on How to Make Homemade Bread – 1940’s Style
Making bread was easier than I thought it would be. Have you made bread before? How did it turn out? If you try my recipe, please let me know in the comments below.
Bread (Master Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 Cake Dry Yeast
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Melted Shortening
- 1½ cups Lukewarm Water
- 5 cups Flour
Instructions
- Soften yeast in ¼ cup of lukewarm water.
- Stir for approximately 5 minutes, until mixture is foamy and smells yeasty.
- Add sugar, salt, and shortening.
- Add the rest of the water (1¼ Cups).
- Add flour one cup at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition until the dough is just stiff enough to knead.
- Place on lightly floured board.
- Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a warm, damp cloth.
- Put in warm place and allow to double in size.
- Work down, cover with a warm, damp cloth, and allow dough to again double in size.
- Work down lightly.
- Form into 2 loaves.
- Put in well-oiled bread pans.
- Cover with a warm, damp cloth.
- Put in a warm place, cover, and let rise until double in size.
- Bake at 450° for 15 minutes.
- Lower heat and continue baking (410°-425°) for an additional 25-30 minutes.
- Place a tablespoon of butter on top (if you wish) of each loaf and allow to melt.
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11 Comments
Teresa
Thanks for sharing. I have never been a bread maker. That was before the quarantine. I have made several loaves since then and I love it. I am saving this post so I can make your bread!
Heidi Bruaw
Awesome! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Teresa
Thanks for sharing. I have never been a bread maker. That was before the quarantine. I have made several loaves since then and I love it. I am saving this post so I can make your bread!
lynnmumbingmejia
Yum! I’ve only worked with Yeast when I made cinnamon rolls last year and the process is so long Lol! I’m a bit traumatized from the 4 hour process but I do want to try a nice focaccia soon! This recipe looks simple enough! Thanks for sharing xx
Lynn | http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Heidi Bruaw
I completely understand! You definitely have to plan ahead, lol! It is long but so worth it. 🙂 Let me know if you find a good focaccia recipe!
nortoncharity
Oh my goodness. This looks absolutely delicious. I haven’t ever made homemade bread before but now you are making me want to try it out. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Heidi Bruaw
Thank you! It’s a process, but it’s definitely worth it.
nortoncharity
I’ve never made homemade bread before but I would love to try it out. This looks so delicious!
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Rebecca Miller Seelig
how much is a cake of yeast?
Heidi Bruaw
Hi Rebecca, a cake of yeast is equal to 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of dry yeast. Thank you for asking. 🙂