Here is a good recipe for a Basic White Loaf of about a Kilo. This recipe is good for either Hand, Mixer with a dough hook or bread machine.
Ingredients
370 ml of water
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
650 g Strong white bread flour
1 tsp bread improver (for bread machine only)
2 tsp active dry yeast
Method
For bread machine
For Bread machine – Place all the ingredients into the machines pan in the order listed in the ingredients. Select the Basic setting and 1kg size and start. Alternatively, select dough setting if you wish to freeform for baking in the oven.
Stand mixer
For Mixer with a dough hook – Place all the dry ingredients into the bowl, ensuring you keep the yeast and salt separate. Add the oil and 2/3rds of the water. Switch on to a low setting to mix. the dough should start out with the consistency of cotton wool but eventually form into a ball cleaning the sides of the bowl. Add more water as required a little at a time. Once a ball is formed, mix for a further 5 mins to knead, or knead by and for at least 10 mins.
Form into a ball, cover and leave to rise until doubled in size. Knockback, form into final shame or place in bread tins and leave to rise again until double in size.
Preheat oven to 220C (200C fan) and bake for 30-40 mins or until hollow sound when tapped on the base.
By hand
Place the flour in a bowl and mix in all the dry ingredients. Make a well in the centre and add the oil and 2/3rds the water. In the well. Mix on the surface with your fingers. It should come together in a cotton wool consistency. Add more water if required a little at a time. Mix until combined
Turn out on to a flat surface and kneed for at least 10 mins.
Form into a ball, cover and leave to rise until doubled in size. Knockback, form into final shape or place in bread tins and leave to rise again until double in size.
Preheat oven to 220C (200C fan) and bake for 30-40 mins or until hollow sound when tapped on the base.