My basic bread recipe

This is my basic bread recipe that I tend to make most days. 

Ingredients 

300g wholemeal bread flour

200g white bread flour

7g fast action yeast

290mls water

1 tsp sugar

20g oil

1 tsp salt

Method 

1. Combine the flours, salt and oil in a bowl. 

2. Combine the water, sugar and yeast* in a bowl

3. Combine the water mix with the flour mix and mix until you have a sticky but kneadable (is that a word?!) consistency (if using a mixer, mix with a dough hook for approx 5 mins and then knead for a couple of mins by hand until you have a fairly smooth - note that, as it is mainly a wholemeal bread recipe, it will never be completely smooth - dough that feels quite elastic. If you press it with your finger it should spring back to about half way).

4. Knead for around 10 mins. See above for the consistency that you are looking for. 

5. Make a ball shape and leave in the bowl, covered with cling film, to prove for around an hour and a half.

6. Knock the dough back and knead again for a couple of mins. Shape your dough to however you wish and, if using, place in a loaf tin. Leave to prove for a further 45 mins to an hour, in a warm place. Turn the oven on to 220c/ gas 7

7. Place in the preheated oven and throw in a couple of tbsps water in an oven tray underneath. Cook for 15 mins at 220c/ gas 7 and then reduce the heat to 200c/ gas 6 for a further 30 mins. If it is looking too brown just reduce the heat further. 

8. Remove from oven and check that it's ready by tapping on the bottom. It should sound hollow. Place on a rack and leave to cool. 

9. Enjoy with lashings of butter! 

*If you're not using fast action yeast, combine the yeast with 200mls warm water and the sugar and leave for about 10 mins until it is all frothy. Add it to the flour mix and then add the remaining water.