White Bread

Yummy homemade bread is the best! This is the recipe I use every time I bake bread and it turns out perfect every time. This is one recipe I don't mind delivering to others because I know it will taste oh so good. I've had nothing but compliments even from the best baker (my mom)! I can't keep it around, it's so yummy.

1 T. dry yeast
2 1/2 c. warm water
5 1/2 c. all-purpose flour (+ another cup, cup and 1/2!)
2 t. salt
1 T. sugar
6 T. butter, melted

Sprinkle yeast over warm water. Stir to dissolve. Set aside. Place 5 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add to yeast mixture along with butter. Stir until the mixture forms a rough dough. Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour over dough and knead, adding more flour as needed (1/2 cup at a time) until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Cover. Let rise until doubled (about 1 hour). Punch down. Split dough in equal halves, and shape into two loaves. Place in greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loaf pans. Cover. Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Unmold, brush tops with butter, and let cool before placing in bags. (Or slice, butter and eat warm... our favorite!)