Buttermilk White Bread

loveyourchef's Note:

A simple and classic bread that is perfect for sandwiches or elegant dinners.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 2.0 loaves

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon yeast, active dry
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 6 1/2-7 cups flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water, cold

Directions:

1. Pour the warm water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the surface of the water, stir and let stand at room temperature until foamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, add the yeast mixture, buttermilk, butter, honey, salt and half of the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until a soft dough is formed. Turn out onto the counter and begin kneading the dough, adding 1/2 cup of flour at a time.
3. Once all of the flour has been added and the dough is just sticky enough to handle, continue kneading into soft and smooth dough, about 10 minutes.
4. Spray a bowl with non stick spray, add the dough and turn over to coat with the spray. Cover and let rest at room temperature until it is doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Gently punch down the dough, turn onto the counter and cut into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a loaf and place in a greased bread pan. Cover and let rest until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Fifteen minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Beat the egg yolk and cold water together in a small bowl and brush lightly on each loaf. Bake for 35 - 45 minutes, or until nicely browned, pull away from the sides of the pan, and sound hollow when tapped with your finger. Cool completely on a rack before slicing.