Simple White Bread

I have been making this bread recipe for about a year. I make it a couple of times a month. This bread is very easy to make, takes little time, and tastes better than store- bought white bread. This recipe makes two loaves which lasts us a week. A lot of times I give away a loaf.  This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast for breakfast (which is my favorite), and croûtons.  We even used it for stuffing with this past years Thanksgiving turkey. Give it a try. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups water (110° F)

• 1 packet active dry yeast (I use bulk 2-1/8 tsp)

• 1 Tbs sugar

• 7 cups all-purpose flour or (bread flour which I use)

• 1 Tbs salt

• 2 Tbs canola oil

Cooking Directions

1. In a bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid Mixing bowl with the attached dough hook) combine the water, yeast, sugar and salt and mix until dissolved.

2. Add oil and half the flour (3 1/2 cups). Turn on the mixer with the dough hook attachment, and put it on the second setting (any higher and the flour will fly over the sides which has happened to me several times).

3. Add the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time. Use a rubber spatula to push down any loose flour on the sides of the bowl. Mix for ten minutes until tacky.

4. Remove the dough from the mixer and pour 1 Tbs canola oil over the top. With your hands rub the oil on the top and bottom of the dough . Cover with a kitchen towel in a warm place (I use our oven), and let it rise 1 1/2 hours. The dough should double in size.

5. Punch down dough and divide in half. Butter and flour two 9” x 5 “ bread pans. Form bread into each pan and cover for 30 minutes. The dough should rise just a little over the edge of the pan. I like to brush about 1/2 Tbs melted butter over the top.

6. Bake in 375° F preheated oven for 35 min. until honey brown in color. Remove and place on baking rack until cool. Store in brown paper bags.