Kansas Woman: “This Bread Recipe Is So Good It’s Been Passed Down for 5 Generations!”
A cherished family recipe from Kansas, promises to fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. 🌐 #News #WichitaKS #Kansas #Food
WICHITA, KS — 44-year-old Kansas housewife Emily Broadbeck has spent years perfecting a bread recipe that’s more than just a staple—it’s a family heirloom. Passed down through five generations, this recipe has been a constant at family gatherings, from cozy Sunday dinners to bustling holiday feasts. Emily, a mother of three with a knack for keeping traditions alive, learned the recipe from her grandmother, who learned it from hers, stretching back to the late 1800s when her ancestors settled in Kansas.
“This bread isn’t just food; it’s our history,” Emily says, her eyes lighting up as she kneads dough in her sunny kitchen.
The recipe, she explains, originated with her great-great-grandmother, a pioneer woman who baked it in a wood-fired oven on the Kansas prairie. Over the decades, it’s been tweaked and perfected, but the core remains: simple ingredients, a touch of patience, and a whole lot of love.
The Secret to Its Staying Power
What makes this bread so special? Emily attributes its enduring appeal to its versatility and foolproof nature. The recipe yields a soft, slightly sweet loaf with a golden crust that’s equally at home slathered with butter, paired with hearty soups, or toasted for breakfast. It’s forgiving enough for novice bakers but rewarding for those who’ve mastered the art of bread-making.
The recipe’s simplicity reflects the resourcefulness of its origins. With basic pantry staples—flour, yeast, milk, sugar, and butter—it’s a testament to how a few humble ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Emily’s family has guarded the recipe, scribbling it in the margins of old cookbooks and passing it down through handwritten notes. “Every generation adds a little something,” she says. “I like to think I’ve added a bit of extra warmth.”
A Recipe That Brings People Together
For Emily, baking this bread is a ritual that connects her to her roots. She recalls her childhood, watching her grandmother shape loaves while sharing stories of their family’s journey. Today, Emily’s own children gather in the kitchen, eager to help (and sneak a warm slice). The bread has been a centerpiece at countless family milestones—weddings, births, and even quiet moments of togetherness.
“It’s not just about the taste,” Emily explains. “It’s about the memories we make while baking it.”
She’s shared the recipe with neighbors and friends, who’ve raved about its ease and flavor. Some have even started their own traditions, passing the recipe to their own families. In a world of fleeting food trends, Emily’s bread stands as a reminder of the power of timeless recipes.
Emily’s 5-Generation Bread Recipe
Ready to bake a piece of Kansas history? Here’s the recipe, straight from Emily’s kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until the dough crests over the pan’s edge.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Brush the top with melted butter for a soft crust.
- Cool: Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips: For a sweeter variation, add 1 tsp cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
A Tradition Worth Sharing
Emily Broadbeck’s bread is more than a recipe—it’s a legacy that captures the spirit of Kansas home cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this loaf invites you to slow down, savor the process, and create your own memories.
So, grab your mixing bowl and bake a loaf that’s been loved for over a century. Who knows? It might just become your family’s next heirloom.
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