Basic White Bread

Basic White Bread

3/4 cup warm water (100-110°F.)

1 package active dry yeast

1 t. sugar

1 T. vegetable oil

3/4 t. salt

2 C. flour, divided

Combine water, yeast and sugar in a medium mixing bowl and stir until thoroughly dissolved. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in oil and salt. Add 1 cup flour and beat until mixture is smooth. Add the remaining cup flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly each time.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. You may add a small amount of flour (no more than a teaspoon at a time) to keep the dough manageable. Clean and dry mixing bowl. Lightly oil the surface of the dough and place back in bowl. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9″ x 5″ loaf pan.

Place in oven to bake at 350°F. 35-40 minutes. When bread is baked, if you tap on the top of the loaves it should sound hollow. Remove from pans immediately and cool on racks.

Makes 1 loaf.