Buttermilk & Honey Bread

This bread has a great taste and texture.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup warm water
• 1  tablespoon dry yeast
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups  warm buttermilk
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3  tablespoons honey
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 6 -6 1⁄2 cups  unbleached white bread flour
• 1  egg, to glaze

Directions

1. Lightly spray two small or one large loaf pan with non stick cooking spray or coat with melted butter.
2. Set them on a baking sheet and set aside.
3. In a kitchen aid mixing bowl, hand whisk the water, yeast and sugar together and let stand for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in buttermilk, butter, honey, salt and half the flour.
5. Stir with a wooden spoon.
6. Fit machine with a dough hook, then kneading, add in more flour as required to make a soft, but firm dough, about 8- 10 minutes.
7. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise 45- 90 minutes until doubled in size.
8. Gently deflate dough and divide into two or keep as one loaf.
9. Shape into oblongs and place in prepared loaf pans.
10. Insert loaf pans into a large plastic bag and let rise until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
11. Glaze well with a beaten egg.
12. (You can also brush loaf with melted butter).
13. Preheat oven to 375°F.
14. Place breads in oven and bake about 45 minutes until well browned.
15. Turn breads out onto a cooling rack and cool well before slicing.