Basic White Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Put water in large bowl, empty content of yeast package into it.
2. 2
   Add sugar and salt, stir well until yeast is completely dissolved.
3. 3
   Add flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring in with wooden spoon until smooth dough is made.
4. 4
   Melt butter, mix into dough. Add remaining flour.
5. 5
   Continue stirring or mixing until dough is thoroughly blended.
6. 6
   Turn dough out onto floured board and cover with inverted bowl.
7. 7
   Let stand 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Knead about 3 minutes until dough is elastic and satiny.
9. 9
   Put into bowl and cover with a towel.
10. 10
    Place in warm spot.
11. 11
    Let rise 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours or until double in bulk.
12. 12
    Pouch down firmly 2 or 3 times. Turn out onto floured board and knead 3 minutes.
13. 13
    Divide into 2 equal parts and shape into loaves.
14. 14
    Put each into well buttered pans.
15. 15
    Cover and allow to rise.
16. 16
    When loaves have doubled in bulk, bake at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes.