Simple Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups Warm water (Approximately 105-115°F (40-46°C))
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast (One packet)
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (Optional, for feeding the yeast)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, dissolve sugar (if using) and yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. 2Add salt and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. This may take 5-7 minutes.
3. 3Place 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.
4. 4Punch 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.
5. 5Cover 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 has risen to the top of the pan.
6. 6Preheat 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. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.