Lightly grease a 1lb bread tin, measuring 15cm x 10cm and 7cm deep. Add the bread mix to the bowl, pour over the oil and water then mix together. A food mixer is best because the batter becomes very thick and heavy during mixing. Turn your mixer to slow-medium speed and beat for 1½ minutes. Scrape down the sides and base of the bowl and mix for a further 1½ minutes.
Transfer the dough into the tin. It will be quite thick, so press down well and fill the tin right to the rim. Run a spatula around the edge of the tin, this will help you get an even rise. Cover the tin with a large upturned bowl or loosely cover with lightly oiled cling film. Leave to prove in a warm place for 40 minutes. Don’t worry, it won’t rise much. That bit happens later.
Now you’re ready for the oven. Place the tin on a tray in the centre of the COLD OVEN. Then turn to 190C or 165C for fan-assisted ovens, and bake for 90 minutes. It should be a dark golden brown on top when it’s done. Remove from the oven, carefully lift out of the tin and place on a cooling rack. For the best possible result, wait until completely cool before slicing.
Whether baked in the oven or in a bread maker, we know it’s tempting, but don’t slice when still warm. Eat on day of baking or slice and freeze for later.
