Soft milk loaf ~ 軟奶麵包

This cotton Soft Milk Loaf is a light white bread with milk which is soft, fluffy and it's perfect for toasts or sandwiches.  The soft texture is stretchy and can be easily pulled apart with your hands.  Slice up any leftovers and freeze them, then just heat them up in the oven toaster or microwave for a few seconds for breakfast or tea.  I tried making french toasts with them and they were yummy.

      

Soft milk loaf  ~   軟奶麵包    

Ingredients

• 400 gm high protein flour
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 3 Tbs sugar
• 3 Tbsp milk powder
• 1.5 tsp yeast
• 1 egg about 50 gm
• 180 gm water
• 40 gm soft butter
• Egg wash to glaze

Method

1. Pour flour into a mixing bowl, add in milk powder, sugar, salt, mix well with a ball whisk.
2. Add yeast, mix well.  Add in the beaten egg and water.
3. Attach the dough hook and beat till a ball of dough forms.
4. Add in soft butter, continue beating for about 10 mins. or more.  Take out some dough and do the window pane test.  Stretch the dough into a thin layer and if it doesn't break, means that the dough has been kneaded enough.  If the layer breaks, then knead again.  Gently shape the dough into a ball and place it in the mixing bowl.  Cover with a damp cloth and let it proof till double in size, about 45 to 60 mins.
5. Use your finger to poke into the dough and if it doesn't collapse means that the dough has proved enough.  Bring the dough onto the worktop, punch and press it to expel some air.  Gently roll the dough back and forth to form an oblong.  Cut the oblong dough into 3 equal pieces.  Cover the balls of dough to prevent them from drying out.
6. Roll out a ball of dough, fold up on both ends, flip over and roll again.  Roll the dough into a rectangle, then roll it up firmly towards you and once you get to the end, nip the dough firmly together and place it seam sides down into a greased loaf pan.  Repeat for the other 2 balls of dough.
7. Cover with a damp cloth and let proof till double in size, approx. 45 mins.
8. Brush the dough with egg wash and bake in a preheated oven @ 180 deg.C for about 20 mins. till golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately dislodge the loaf and let it cool completely on a wire rack.  (If the loaf is not dislodged promptly condensation will form resulting in a loaf of soggy bread).