Basic Homemade Bread

Basic Homemade Bread

Equipment Needed

• Bosch Stand Mixer
• Glass Bread Pans

Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2-1/4 cups water, 110° to 115°
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted - or use oil
• 6 cups flour, may need up to 7 - bread flour is best

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in the warm water.
2. Let stand until the surface gets foamy and bubbly - about 10 minutes.
3. Whisk together remaining sugar, salt, and 3 cups of the flour.
4. Stir cooled butter into yeast mixture then pour into flour mixture.
5. Beat until smooth.
6. Stir in enough remaining flour, a little at a time, to form a soft dough.
7. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes. (see video)
8. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
9. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-1/2 to 2 hours. (see image)
10. Punch dough down.
11. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half.
12. Shape each into a loaf. (see section on shaping)
13. Place in 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans.
14. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
15. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Bread will sound hollow when tapped.
16. Remove from oven, place pans on their sides, and cover with a tea towel for soft crusts.
17. After 5 minutes remove from the pans and allow to cool before slicing.