Bev’s Winner Homemade Bread Recipe

This recipe makes 3 loaves of Bread---Yum!!!

1 1/2 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar

In a mixing bowl, stir sugar and yeast in warm water and set aside.
Let proof for 10 minutes.

After yeast has proofed add 1 1/2 Tbsp. shortening or vegetable oil

Measure out 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, set aside.

* (have a small amount more available (about 1/4 cup), to dust bread board with for each punch down and knead.)

Add 2 cups flour to the yeast mixture and mix in well.
Add the other 2 cups flour and once stirred in and starting to form a ball, turn out onto floured bread board and knead for 5-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a tea towel. *In 10 minutes, turn back out onto floured board and knead for about 20 to 30 folds, cover and let rest again.* Repeat this again in 10 minute rest/knead-fold  2 more times. After the last knead-fold, let dough double in size (approximately 1 hour.)

After the hour rise divide dough into 3 pieces and form into loaves.
Place 3 loaves on a greased cookie sheet, evenly spaced width-wise. Cover with a tea towel and let rise, in a warm place, for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

When Ready to bake...Make 3-5 slashes with a sharp serrated  knife across the tops of each loaf.

Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees, reduce heat to 350 and bake 15 minutes longer or until golden brown. Remove from oven; cool on wire rack. I don’t brush mine with butter, because we like a harder crust. If you like a softer crust , brush with butter.

Enjoy! Élvez! Piacere! Gustirati! Radosť!