Basic White Bread

5 Cups Hot Water
10 Cups Flour (or enough to make a soft dough)
2 Tablespoons Saf-instant Yeast
1/3 to 1/2 Cup Sugar
1/3 -1/2 Cup Oil (can substitute with 3 Tablespoons of liquid Lecithin)
1 Tablespoon Salt
1 Cup Sour dough starter (optional)

Put 5 cups flour, yeast and sugar into bowl of bread mixer.(I have a Bosch, Mom had a K-tec, any machine with a dough hook should be ok) Mix until well blended.  Turn off machine and add the 5 cups hot water. (If you have sour dough starter add at this point) Mix until smooth, about 2 min. Turn off machine.It should be the consistency of thick pancake batter. At this point put a towel over bowl and let "sponge" 10 to 15 minutes. Sponging will make a the bread soft, the sour dough seems to add a fluffy, softer texture.  The mixture should rise in your bowl.  Add oil and salt and turn on machine and slowly add enough remaining flour so the dough pulls away from side of bowl and when you pinch the dough in is slightly sticky.  Knead for 6 minutes.  Turn out onto counter top that has been sprayed with Pam.  Knead just enough to make a nice soft round mound.  Cut into four equal sections. Shape into loafs and put into pans that have been generously sprayed with Pam.  Cover with a Kitchen towel or plastic wrap that has been sprayed with Pam and let rise 25 minutes.  Put into a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Bake 25 to 28 minutes.

Posted by Suzanne