Granny’s Batter Bread

 

1 1/4 cups warm water

2 1/4 teaspoon or one package yeast

2 tablespoons butter, softened

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or sucanat

3 cups all-purpose or white whole wheat flour

 

In the bowl of an electric mixer, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the sugar, honey, or sucanat, butter, and half of the flour. Beat for two minutes at medium speed or mix by hand with a wooden spoon 300 strokes. Add remaining flour and mix in with a wooden spoon. If using whole wheat flour, you may need slightly less than the 3 cups listed. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Stir the batter down with a wooden spoon and spread evenly in a greased 9x5x3 loaf pan. You may need to put some flour on your hands to press the batter into the corners of the pan. Cover the loaf pan and allow to rise again in a warm place until the batter reaches about 1/4 inch from the top of the loaf pan, about 30 minutes. Bake the bread at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. The loaf will sound hollow when tapped. Remove the bread from the pan and allow to cool on a rack before cutting. If desired, brush the top with melted butter before serving.