Simple White Bread

Bill Hilbrich's Note:

The recipe, and my instructions are adapted from a videorecording that a new baker might find helpful. " Perfect bread, how to conquer bread making." by Betsy Oppenneer, The Breadworks, 1990, Norwich,

• Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 loaves

• 2 1/2 cups water, at a temperature between 105 and 115 F
• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 1/2 cups flour

Directions:

1. Mix the water, yeast, and sugar together in a small bowl.
2. Add the salt to 5 1/2 cups of the flour in a large bowl.
3. Set the other cup of flour aside. Mix the liquid and the dry together and then add the oil.
4. Mix until it comes away from the sides of the bowl, sprinkle some of the last cup of flour on a wooden surface, and knead until the dough gets sticky again.
5. Keep adding more flour and keep kneading.
6. Push forward, fold over, push forward, fold over.
7. I do this one handed because I have to, but it works.
8. Put a little oil in the large bowl, that has been scraped clean, add the kneaded dough and roll it over a few times to coat. Cover, let stand for about one hour in a warm place. Punch down, cut the dough in half and roll it out to about a 9 inch by 18 inch rectangle. Roll it up, tuck in the ends and place in a very well lubricated ( I use crisco) glass baking dish.
9. Repeat with the other half, and then cover with a cloth and let it rise again for about 45 minutes.
10. Use a sharp knife to put a few slashes in the top, brush with a little beaten egg or milk, and put into a pre-heated 375 (f) oven for 30 minutes.
11. The bread is done when an instant read thermometer reads 190 (f).

Reviews

[ObsessiveCompulsiveBaker]

INCREDIBLE! After my failed attempts at batter bread, I decided that this recipe would be the first time I attempt at kneading dough so naturally, I was concerned about how it was going to turn out. But it came out great! Great texture, soft crust, just perfect! Thank you so much Bill! This will be the only recipe I'll use!

[Yodasmomma]

Thanks ever so much! Truly simple, and yet perfect. Light, beautiful loaves and rolls.