Simple White Bread

Ingredients

• 2 packages active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 2.5 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 0.5 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 0.5 cups vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 8.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter , melted

Instructions

1. 1

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

2. 2

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

3. 3

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

4. 4

   Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove bread from pans to cool on wire racks. Brush with melted butter or margarine.