Traditional Cottage Loaf – Old Fashioned Rustic English Bread

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 1

Traditional Cottage Loaf - Old Fashioned Rustic English Bread recipe

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

1 hour 10 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

1 loaf

Calories

1930

Sugar

10g

Fat

10g

The Traditional Cottage Loaf is a classic English bread that has been enjoyed for centuries. This rustic loaf has a distinctive round shape, with a small ball of dough sitting on top of a larger one, separated by a deep groove. The distinctive shape of the loaf was created to make it easy to bake in a traditional bread oven. The loaf is sometimes called a 'double-decker' or 'two-part' loaf. The bread has a light, slightly chewy texture, and a crisp crust. It is perfect for sandwiches or toast, or simply enjoyed warm from the oven with a dollop of butter.

Instructions

1.	In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
2.	Stir in the caster sugar and dry yeast (or crumble in the fresh yeast), making sure everything is well mixed.
3.	Pour in the tepid milk and water mixture, and bring the mix together to create a soft dough.
4.	Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5.	Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel and leave it to rest for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
6.	Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas Mark 6.
7.	Knock back the dough, and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a round ball, then place the balls back into the oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave the dough to prove for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size once more.
8.	In a small bowl, whisk an egg with a pinch of salt for the glaze.
9.	Remove the bowl of dough from its proving place and gently brush the egg glaze over the dough, being careful not to deflate the dough.
10.	Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is a deep golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when knocked on its base.

PROS

The Traditional Cottage Loaf is a rustic, old-fashioned type of bread that is easy to make and very satisfying to eat.
It is perfect for those who love traditional European breads, and it is a great addition to any meal.

CONS

This bread is not gluten-free, so it may not be suitable for people with gluten allergies or intolerances.
It may also be higher in calories and carbohydrates than some other types of bread, so it may not be suitable for people on a low-carb or low-calorie diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The Traditional Cottage Loaf is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy. It also contains a small amount of protein and fat. The bread is made with white flour, which is not as nutritious as whole wheat flour, but it does contain some B vitamins and iron. Eating this bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet is a good choice.

	500 g strong white bread flour
	2 teaspoons salt
	1 teaspoon caster sugar
	2 teaspoons fast-rising active dry yeast or 1 ounce fresh yeast
	325 ml tepid milk , and water mixed
	1 egg
	salt , for glaze