Basic White Bread

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Stir in yeast. Let yeast proof until it’s foamy and creamy. You want it to rise above the water level.

Mix in salt and oil. Mix in bread flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough comes together. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then place a damp towel over plastic wrap. Allow dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles. This should take about 1 hour.

Once dough has doubled, punch down and knead gently for few minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape into loaves and place in 2 greased 9 x 5-inch bread pans. Allow bread to rise once more, about 30 minutes or until dough as risen at least 1 inch above the pan.

Bake in a 350ºF oven for 30 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.