Bakery Basics: Easy Bread-Making Worksheet for 13-Year-Olds

Instructions

Follow the steps below to bake a delicious loaf of bread:

1. Ingredients:
   • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
   • 1 tablespoon sugar
   • 1 tablespoon salt
   • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. Activate the Yeast:

   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Write down what happens during this step:

3. Mix the Ingredients:

   In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Then, add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until it comes together. What do you think this mixture will look like?

4. Knead the Dough:

   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth. Describe how the dough feels while you knead it:

5. Let the Dough Rise:

   Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. Where will you let it rise?

6. Shape the Bread:

   After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf. How would you describe the shaping process?

7. Let It Rise Again:

   Place the shaped loaf in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for about 30 minutes. What do you notice happening to the dough during this second rise?

8. Bake the Bread:

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown. What are some signs that the bread is done?

9. Cool and Enjoy:

   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. How will you enjoy your freshly baked bread?