Homemade Bread

Alright, here I am admitting that I have honestly never, ever, made wonderful white bread. I have made great rolls, great pizza dough, but NEVER great bread. I don’t know what it has been, but I do know that it has always been a struggle for me. My luck, my skills, something has changed...and I’m pretty stinking sure that it wasn’t me, but this recipe! Every bite of this bread has been divine. From the second out of the oven that I consumed at least 3 slices, to my lunch today that made one of the best grilled cheese’s I have ever eaten in my life. It is a big, fluffy loaf with the most delectable moist center. Perfect plain, as toast, dipped in soup, or used as sandwich bread...I have done all of these methods in the last 2 days and I would do them all again in a heartbeat!

Homemade Bread

Printable Version

2 cups warm water

2 1/2 tsp yeast

1/2 TB sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

1 TB salt

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

5-7 cups flour, white or wheat (can use more if needed)

1 TB shortening

1 TB butter (to top bread)

Place the yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Pour the warm water (not too hot) over the yeast mixture and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, or until nice and bubbly.

Combine melted butter, sugar, evaporated milk and salt into a large mixing bowl. When your yeast mixture is ready add them together and mix.

If you are using a stand mixer put on your bread hook and then pour in 3 cups of flour. If not you can stir/knead it as well. Then add in 1 cup of flour at a time and mix. When you get to 5 cups of flour in the bowl, add in 1/2 cup more of flour at a time until the dough is no longer sticking to the sides. You'll know it's ready when your fingers no longer stick to the dough.

Then cover the ball of dough and sides of the bowl with shortening and cover the bowl with a warm towel. Set by the window and allow it it rise (approx 1.5 hours). When it has risen over the bowl punch it down and place on a floured service.

Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes.

Cut dough into two pieces and roll them out into a rectangle. Roll the dough up and place into 2 greased bread pans.

Let the bread rise again, and when it looks like a good loaf of bread place them in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. When the bread is done, coat the top with butter and remove onto a cooling rack.

Enjoy!

Recipe from iheartnaptime.net

Makes 2 loaves