A delightful bread recipe with a hint of lemon, perfect for any occasion.
Prepare the bread machine by ensuring the pan and paddle are clean.
Always check your bread machine manual for specific instructions.
Add the warm water, egg, lemon juice, butter, salt, sugar, powdered milk, bread flour, and yeast into the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
Layer the ingredients carefully to ensure proper mixing and rising.
Select the dough cycle on the bread machine and start it.
Monitor the dough during the first few minutes to ensure it forms a smooth ball.
Once the cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
Use a bench scraper for clean and even cuts.
Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased bread pans.
Grease the pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Cover the pans with a clean towel and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 50-60 minutes.
Place the pans in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tap the top of the bread; it should sound hollow when done.
Remove the loaves from the oven and brush the tops with butter.
This adds a lovely shine and flavor to the crust.
Let the loaves cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
