The cottage loaf is a traditional English bread made up of two rounds, with a smaller round on top resembling a cottage roof. It originated from Rome and is made from simple white or wheat bread recipes. The two rounds must be carefully constructed to stay together during baking. It can be made in a larger family-sized loaf or smaller individual servings.
If you’re in England, you’ll notice different shapes and styles of bread. One of them is the famous cottage loaf. With a little imagination, you may be able to see that the cottage loaf resembles a round cottage, with a small “roof” on top. This type of bread is called formed or molded bread, and is made up of two rounds, a large round on the bottom and a smaller round on the top. The loaf design probably originated from Rome and migrated to England along the roads built by the Romans. Today, it is considered English through and through, and few traces remain of its history and connection to ancient Rome.
A loaf of cottage is normally made from simple white or wheat bread recipes. Some vary and use brioche dough or a few other types. One thing most recipes emphasize is that the bread dough is not too heavy. If it is, the upper round can sink into the lower round and look more like an abandoned shack than a prim, clean cottage. The roof or upper roundel should be carefully constructed, and is about one-and-a-half thirds smaller than the lower roundel.
Another important step in making the cottage loaf is making sure the two rounds stay together. There are some tips to keep the top layer from lifting off the bottom layer when the loaf is baked. Some suggest inserting a thumb into the top of the top round and pushing down through the bottom layer. Other recipes practically recommend a wooden handle or dowel. Unless you’re making a small cottage loaf or a bun similar to the larger loaf, the wooden spoon is probably the best idea.
When you follow this step, the dough from the top loaf will be pushed into the bottom layer, pinning the two rounds together. Another tip is to add a small amount of egg wash to the bottom of the top round to add a little extra tack between rounds.
While a larger family-sized cottage loaf tends to be more traditional, you can also make smaller cottage loaves for individual servings. These can make a great addition to meals and their attractive shape is sure to add style to your dinner party. If you’re preparing a truly British meal that would pair perfectly with bread, providing a loaf or cottage rolls is a great way to retain authenticity.
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