Delicious White Bread

 

5

to 6 cups all-purpose flour

3

tablespoons sugar

2

teaspoons salt

2

packages regular active dry yeast

2

cups water

1/4

cup vegetable oil or shortening

1

tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

• 1 In large bowl, mix 2 cups of the flour, the sugar, salt and yeast. In 1-quart saucepan, heat water and oil until very warm (120°F to 130°F). Add warm liquid to flour mixture; beat with electric mixer on low speed until moistened, scraping bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. With spoon, stir in 2 1/2 to 3 cups of the flour until dough pulls cleanly away from side of bowl.
• 2 On floured work surface, knead in remaining 1/2 to 1 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Grease large bowl with shortening or cooking spray. Place dough in bowl; cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80°F to 85°F) 45 to 60 minutes or until light and doubled in size.
• 3 Grease 2 (8x4- or 9x5-inch) loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray. Gently push fist into dough to deflate; divide in half. On lightly floured work surface, roll out each half of dough with rolling pin into 16x8-inch rectangle. Starting with one 8-inch side, roll up dough tightly, pressing with thumbs to seal after each turn. Pinch edge of dough into roll to seal; press each end with side of hand to seal. Fold ends under loaf; place seam side down in pan. Cover; let rise in warm place 30 to 35 minutes or until dough fills pans and tops of loaves are about 1 inch above pan edges.
• 4 Heat oven to 375°F. Uncover dough; bake 40 to 50 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. Immediately remove from pans; place on wire racks. Brush with melted butter. Cool completely, about 1 hour.