31 Days of Autumn {Day 19}: Bake Bread

This is a white bread recipe which produces two loaves.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 F / 45 C)
• 2 packages active dry yeast (4 1/2 tsp)
• 3 tbsp white sugar
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• approximately 6 1/2 cups bread flour (this depends on humidity and temperature)

Directions:

1. In large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.

2. Stir in oil, salt and two cups of the flour.

3. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. When the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, approximately 8 – 10 minutes.

5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat it with oil. This prevents a crust from forming on the top of the dough while it is rising.

6. Cover with plastic wrap or a teatowel and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (approximately an hour).

7. Remove the plastic wrap or teatowel and punch down the dough.

8. Turn the dough out onto a a lightly floured surface and cut into two equal pieces.

9. Form into loaves by stretching the dough into a rectangle and then rolling into a log.

10. Place in two greased loaf pans, seam side down.

11. Cover with a teatowel and leave to rise again until doubled in size (approximately 45 minutes to an hour).

12. While the loaves are rising, preheat the oven to 375F.

13. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

14. Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

{This is day 19 in a 31 day series celebrating autumn. Click here for more autumn ideas.}