No Fat Basic Batter Bread

I modified this recipe from one my mum gave me a few years ago when I was just learning how to bake for myself... the original called for 2 tbsp of shortening, but I replaced it with 2 tbsp of unsweetened applesauce. I actually think that the texture of my bread is better than the original's. If you want to change it up, pretty much anything can be added to this basic recipe - 1/2 a cup of raisins and 2 tsp cinnamon; various pinches of herbs; 1/2 a cup of cubed cheese; etc.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 3  cups flour
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons  yeast (or 1 packet)
• 1 1⁄4 cups  very warm water
• 2  tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

Directions

1. Grease loafpan.
2. Mix 2 c flour, the sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add water, applesauce, and any additives (raisins, cheese, herbs, etc).
3. Beat with electric mixer until smooth, scraping sides of bowl frequently.
4. Stir in remaining 1 c flour until smooth.
5. Spread batter into pan (will be sticky) and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for ~40 minutes or until double.
6. Heat oven to 375°F.
7. Bake 40 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove immediately from pan and place on wire rack. Brush top with butter if so desired.