it depends on what kinda bread you like to have.
there are yeast breads (which take longer to make, is a fun experience to learn and can be fluffy).
then there are soda breads (shorter to make (no resting), fun as well, and can be a little denser (hence, no yeast - but not like a brick, just fewer air pockets))
so it depends on what you want.
i always make a soda bread (since someone in our house can't have yeast).
and it's SO much easier, since I can make it along with dinner and it be done by the time dinner's on the table.
i've made white, wheat, rye and combos of these as well.
i sometimes keep 'em plain, or add herbs, roasted tomatoes, peppers, olives, onions, or fruits, like raisins, dried fruits, etc... whatever, for a different taste. at times i'll make a "pizza" like bread, and add tomato sauce or paste (depending on the consistency i want) for the liquids. (if using paste, always add a little water).
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Irresistible-Irish-Soda-Bread/Detail.aspx
i use something like this one.
now for butter milk, if you dont have that... you can use regular milk plus a little vinegar or lemon juice to "curdle" the milk to make buttermilk (which is simply soured milk).
but if you wanna try your hand at a yeast bread...
try something like this... try it basic, plain... the first time.
then after you get experience with how to make a basic "white" (or wheat or whatever you want) bread... then you can start to add jellies (the dried fruits) or veggies or herbs or some of each.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Crusty-White-Bread/Detail.aspx
another VERY common bread is hot-cross buns:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Hot-Cross-Buns-I/Detail.aspx
please note, there are TONS of ways to make breads (ie, basic ingredients).
what I found were some of the first ones I used to get a "feel" for what it's like.
there are tons more out there... and imagination is your limit.
good luck & happy baking
