Japanese Milk Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour for kneading

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt and mix together.
2. In a separate bowl, heat the milk until it is warm to the touch, then add the butter and egg and mix together.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, adding extra flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for an hour.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
7. Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool before slicing.

Interesting Facts

• Japanese milk bread is called "shokupan" in Japan.
• The soft, fluffy texture of the bread is created by adding a high moisture content to the dough.
• The bread can be served with butter, jam, or any other topping of your choice.
• This bread is a popular snack in Japan and is commonly served with tea.