Faux Sourdough

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (405 grams) bread flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 grams) salt

• 1/4 teaspoon instant dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups. 2 tbsp (385 grams) plain unsweetened yogurt containing active cultures.

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, yeast, and yogurt. Using the dough hook, knead the dough on low speed for 5 minutes, or until it comes together.

2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.

4. Cover the loaves with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

6. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Let the loaves cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.

• For a more intense sour flavor, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the dough.

• To make the bread even more moist, add 1/2 cup of sour cream or yogurt to the dough.

• For a fun twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough.

Variations:

• Cinnamon Raisin Faux Sourdough: Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough.

• Sourdough Challah: Follow the recipe for Faux Sourdough, but divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a braid and place it in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake the braids for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

• Sourdough Focaccia: Follow the recipe for Faux Sourdough, but after the dough has risen for the first time, punch it down and spread it out into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle it with sea salt. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Personal Story:

I've always loved sourdough bread. It's so flavorful and chewy, and it has a unique sour flavor that I can't get enough of. However, I don't always have the time to make my own sourdough starter, so I came up with this recipe for Faux Sourdough.

This recipe uses yogurt to give the bread a slightly sour flavor, and it's just as delicious as traditional sourdough bread. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have time to make a traditional sourdough loaf.

I've made this recipe many times, and it's always a hit with my family and friends. They love the flavor and the chewy texture of the bread. I hope you enjoy it too!

Conclusion:

Faux Sourdough is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that's perfect for any occasion. It's made with simple ingredients, but it's packed with flavor. Faux Sourdough is sure to become a new favorite in your household.