Well, it’s March and faced with another punch in the gut from Old Man Winter – I made bread – two loaves to be exact. Amish white bread is great for sandwiches and makes amazing French toast the following day. It’s easy to put together, requires no machinery – just a large bowl, a wooden spoon, and your hands.
- 2 cups warm water
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 6 cups flour
1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and stir in the yeast. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast foams.
2. Add the salt and vegetable oil. Mix the flour in one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until the dough is smooth. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise for an hour until it doubles in bulk.
3. Punch the dough down, knead for several minutes, and divide dough in half. Shape into loaves and place in well oiled loaf pans. Let rise until dough for 30 minutes, or until dough rises an inch above the pans.
4. Bake in a preheated 350º oven for 30 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
Easy for you maybe, I can’t bake my way out of a paper bag… sigh
You could do this – as long as you can get the yeast to foam – you’re all set! I didn’t realize this my first time out and I ended up with a doorstop.