Basic White Bread

Recipe Courtesy of DianasDesserts.com

Here is another bread recipe that is really easy and makes 2 loaves.

Ingredients:
2 packages (4 1/2 tsp./1/2 oz./14g) active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
6-7 cups all-purpose flour ( I used bread flour)

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and 1/2 cup warm water. Stir until dissolved. Add remaining warm water, butter, sugar and salt. Stir until mixed.

2. Add 6-7 cups of flour and mix until blended. Add enough of the remaining flour until dough forms a smooth ball that is slightly sticky to the touch.

3. Place dough in a large, greased bowl. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.

4. Punch dough down, divide in half, and shape into loaves. Place loaves into two 9 x 5-inch greased loaf pans and let rise until double in size, about an hour.

5. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 40 minutes (before baking I like to give the top of the bread an egg white wash to make the top crunchy).

Makes 2 (9 x 5-inch) loaves or you can make 2 long loaves of bread