Step 1

Preheat oven to 325º F (convection) or 350º F (static).

Step 3

If not using my bread mix, whisk these dry ingredients together in a large bowl: GF flours, milk powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt.

Step 5

In the large mixing bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the wet ingredients: honey (if using), club soda, apple cider vinegar (not necessary if using my bread mix), oil and egg.  Gradually add the dry ingredient mix or bread mix packet (do not add the yeast packet that comes with the bread mix) in by pouring slowly into the wet bowl.

Step 7

Begin mixing with a wooden spoon or paddle attachment on a stand mixer. Before fully integrated, add the final addition of lemon juice and extra baking soda to the bowl. The mixture should bubble up when added together; if not, your baking soda is not fresh enough. Once incorporated, beat well for 1 - 2 more minutes.

Step 9

Scoop the dough into an oiled 8.5 x 4 or larger bread pan (use a dark metal pan if you like a darker crust on your bread; lighter, shiny metal or glass if you like a light crust).

Step 11

Wet a large serrated knife and make 2 or 3 large cuts in the top of the bread about 1/2 inch deep, rocking the knife back and forth in the wet dough to make an impression. These cuts will give the bread easy places to rise and swell open.

Step 13

Using the baking soda and baking powder in this recipe, together with the lemon juice and club soda causes the bread to rise high and can make an odd looking, hilly top crust, but making these cuts before baking can help it look more uniform. Either way, the bread tastes delicious, so even an odd looking top crust isn't anything to worry about!

Step 15

Smooth the top, sprinkle with any toppings, and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the crust is browning nicely and a cake tester or skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (internal temperature should reach 205-210º F). Start checking the temperature after 50 minutes of baking to ensure you don't over-bake the bread.

Step 17

Remove to a cooling rack. When cooled for 15 minutes, gently remove from the loaf pan to finish cooling before slicing.

Step 19

Once fully cooled, store in a zip-top bag on the counter or slice and freeze in a freezer bag with wax paper between the slices -- do not refrigerate.