Homemade Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast. In saucepan, combine water and oil; heat until warm, 120° to 130°. Add warm liquid to flour mixture. Blend on low speed until moistened. Blend approximately 3 minutes on medium speed. Stir in by hand approximately 3 cups flour until dough pulls away from bowl. Knead in flour (about 1 cup) until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap and towel. Place bowl in warm oven (80° to 85°) for 50 to 60 minutes or until 2 times larger. (Hint: To heat oven to proper temperature, turn oven to 400° for 1 minute, turn off and place covered bowl inside for 60 minutes.) Remove dough from oven and punch dough down to remove air bubbles. Cut in half and shape into 2 loaves. Place in 2 greased 8 x 4 or 9 x 5-inch pans and cover with towel. Place in warm oven (same as before) for 30 to 35 minutes or until 1 inch above pan. Remove towel; turn oven to 350°. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bread should sound hollow when tapped.