Grandma Russell's Bread
I remember as a child always smelling fresh homemade bread and rolls whenever I walked into Grandma's house. The warm slices were delicious and melted in my mouth! —Janet Polito, Nampa, Idaho
I remember as a child always smelling fresh homemade bread and rolls whenever I walked into Grandma's house. The warm slices were delicious and melted in my mouth! —Janet Polito, Nampa, Idaho
- Carbohydrate 255.062195302106 g
- Cholesterol 609.643750233201 mg
- Fat 83.1618825919436 g
- Fiber 12.1099001045086 g
- Protein 46.8834225406404 g
- Saturated Fat 47.8717575563591 g
- Serving Size 1 1 loaves or 2 dozen rolls. (712g)
- Sodium 39804.9041059407 mg
- Sugar 242.952295197598 g
- Trans Fat 7.74674150747912 g
- Calories 1966 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, butter, salt and remaining sugar until butter is melted.
- Remove from heat; stir in potatoes until smooth.
- Cool to lukewarm; add eggs and mix well.
- To yeast mixture, add potato mixture and 5 cups flour.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface and 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 1-1/2 hours.
- Punch down and divide in half.
- Shape two loaves and place in greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Roll each half into a 16x8-in. rectangle. Brush with melted butter; combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over butter. Starting at the narrow end, roll up into a loaf, sealing the edges and ends. Place in greased 8x4-in. loaf pans.
- Bake loaves at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cover with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Remove from pans to wire racks; serve warm.
- For cinnamon rolls: Roll each half into an 18x12-in. rectangle. Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
- Starting at the narrow end, roll up and seal edges and ends.
- Cut each into twelve 1-1/2 in. pieces.
- Place in greased 9-in. round baking pans.
- Cover and let rise until doubled.
- Bake rolls at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cover with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Remove from pans to wire racks; serve warm.
Grandma Russell's Bread: A Slice of Heaven
The aroma of freshly baked bread has always held a special place in my heart. It evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and cherished memories. My grandmother, Grandma Russell, was a master baker, and her bread was legendary. The crust, perfectly golden brown, gave way to a soft, pillowy interior, each bite a symphony of flavors. It wasn't just bread; it was a symbol of family, love, and the simple joys of home.
I remember countless afternoons spent in her cozy kitchen, the air thick with the intoxicating scent of yeast and flour. Watching her work was mesmerizing – the practiced ease with which she kneaded the dough, the careful way she shaped the loaves, the pride in her eyes as she placed them in the oven. The warmth radiating from the freshly baked loaves was more than just heat; it was the warmth of her love, a feeling that lingered long after the last slice was eaten.
Grandma Russell’s bread wasn’t just about the ingredients; it was about the process, the ritual, the love infused into each step. It was a labor of love, a testament to her dedication to her family. It was a simple act, yet it created a profound sense of connection and belonging. The bread wasn’t just food; it was a bonding agent, a centerpiece around which memories were made and shared.
The recipe itself, passed down through generations, was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It was a story, a legacy. Each ingredient held significance, each step a sacred tradition. The yeast, a symbol of growth and life, the flour, a testament to the earth’s bounty, the sugar, a hint of sweetness in life's journey. And the final product? A masterpiece of simplicity and perfection, a testament to the power of love and tradition.
Baking Grandma Russell's bread is not just about following a recipe; it's about recreating a feeling, a memory, a connection to the past. Every time I bake it, I’m transported back to my childhood, enveloped in the warmth of my grandmother’s love. It's more than just a loaf of bread; it's a tangible piece of my history, a legacy I cherish and strive to pass on.
The ingredients might be simple, but the outcome is extraordinary. The rich aroma, the comforting texture, the satisfying taste – all combine to create an experience that transcends mere sustenance. It's a culinary embrace, a taste of home, a reminder of the enduring power of family and the love that binds us together. It's a legacy I am grateful to share and continue.
More than just a recipe, it's a love letter written in flour, sugar, and yeast. A testament to a woman who poured her heart into every loaf, leaving a lasting legacy of warmth, love, and the most delicious bread in the world.
So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and let the aroma of Grandma Russell's bread fill your home with the same love and happiness it filled mine. You'll not just be baking bread; you'll be baking memories.
