Traditional White Bread

Ingredients

• 2 packages active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 2.5 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 6.5 cups bread flour
• 3 tablespoons lard , softened
• 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Stir in 2 cups flour, lard, and salt. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

3. 3

   Lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

4. 4

   Lightly grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans.

5. 5

   Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into loaves. Place the loaves into the prepared pans, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place bread in the preheated oven and lower the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Serve and enjoy!