Milk and Water Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Milk (Scalded and cooled slightly)
• 0.5 cup Water (Lukewarm)
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water (0.5 cup) and sugar (2 tablespoons). Sprinkle active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons) over the mixture. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. 2Add scalded and slightly cooled milk (1 cup), melted butter (2 tablespoons), and salt (1 teaspoon) to the yeast mixture. Gradually add all-purpose flour (3 cups), mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. 3Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
4. 4Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
6. 6Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough reaches the top of the pan.
7. 7Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. 8Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.