Basic White Bread

Makes 2 loaves

Any way you slice it, bake it, stuff it, or toast it . . . Few prepared
foods can rival the wholesome goodness of a home-baked loaf of bread, fresh
from the oven. Thinking about it conjures up memories of the hearty aromas
that force a smile across your face when you step into a bakery that has
just prepared its offering of daily bread.

Bread making is an art form. Professional bakers may spend their entire
career mastering the preparation of a single type of bread or pastry. If
you’ve never baked bread, now is a great time to start. If you are an
experienced bread baker, The Cook and Kitchen Staff have a special treat
for you as we offer you some of our best recipes from “Our Daily Bread”
collection.

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add remaining
water, dry milk, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and 3 cups of flour, and
combine with an electric mixer set on medium speed for 3 minutes, or until
smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic,
at least 6 to 8 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to
grease entire surface. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm
place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Punch the dough down, and divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in two
greased 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pans. Grease the tops of the loaves lightly,
and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until doubled again, about 1 hour.

Bake bread in a pre-heated 375-F Degrees F oven for 35 minutes, or until
golden brown. Remove bread from pans to cool on wire racks. Brush with
melted butter or margarine, if desired. Store in an airtight container or
bag. May freeze for up to 3 months in an air-tight bag.