This is my bread recipe:
Basic White Bread
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. active dry yeast
1
tsp. salt
1/3 cup sugar (I used Turbinado)
1/2 cup neutral-tasting oil
2 cups non-chlorinated
water
6+ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
Method:
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except flour. Then gradually add in flour, 1 or 2 cups at a time, until well blended. When dough becomes too stiff to stir with a
spoon, add in remaining flour with hands.
Knead for 8 to 10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, until dough is smooth, elastic, and doesn’t stick to your hands.
Place in a well-greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow to rise in a warm (not hot) place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until dough is nearly doubled in size.
Remove from bowl. Cut dough into two equal pieces and form into two loaf shapes. Place into well-greased loaf pans. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise a second time, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Preheat
oven to 375 degrees. Bake loaves in the center of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
Loaves are done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when you thump them. Remove from loaf pans to a cooling rack.
Allow to rest at least 1 hour before slicing them. This allows the centers of the loaves to firm up and not be “gummy.”
Variations:
Burger Buns: After the first rise, cut dough into 16 round portions and flatten slightly with your hand. Place onto a large cookie sheet. Allow to rise a second time, then bake at 375 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you find the buns getting too dark on the bottoms, try baking them on a higher rack inside the oven and turn upside down halfway through the bake time. Remove to cooling rack and let rest one hour before serving.
Hot Dog Buns: After the first rise, cut dough into 16 equal portions and roll into cylinder shapes. Continue as above for burger buns.
Dinner Rolls: After the first rise, cut dough into 20 equal portions and roll into balls. Place onto a large cookie sheet and continue as above for burger buns. Brush finished rolls with melted butter if desired.
Here are the photos: