Simple White Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve sugar and yeast in 1/4 cup warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes.
2. 2
   Add the remaining (warm) water, flour, and salt to yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough forms.
3. 3
   Turn out onto a floured surface; knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).
4. 4
   Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top.
5. 5
   Cover and let rise in a warm place (85), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
6. 6
   Uncover dough, and punch down; cover and let rise 30 minutes.
7. 7
   Uncover dough; punch down; cover and let rest 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Roll into a 14 x 7-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
9. 9
   Roll up tightly, starting with a short edge, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal.
10. 10
    Place roll, seam side down, in an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray; cover and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
11. 11
    While dough does its final rise, preheat oven to 425F.
12. 12
    Uncover dough; gently brush with egg.
13. 13
    Bake for 12 minutes.
14. 14
    Reduce oven temperature to 350 (do not remove bread from oven); bake an additional 15 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
15. 15
    Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.