Fluffy Italian Bread

I found this recipe in Taste of Home Magazine, recipe by Elsie Palmer. I just received my first KitchenAid Mixer for Christmas and couldn't wait to try it on making bread dough and decided to try this recipe, although I only made half, one loaf. Times don't include rising and cooling times.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4ounce) package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 2  cups warm water (110 to 115 )
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 5 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across top of each loaf.
4. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.