Yeast White Bread

I'm pretty sure this is the last post of the day, since I haven't been trying out that many new recipes. I also haven't had the time and energy to make new posts, too, if it wasn't a holiday today.

This is my first attempt to make anything out of yeast, and it turned out really successful! I have gotten this recipe from a local vegetarian potluck gathering by the beach. The lady who brought the bread also brought printed recipes to share :) Wish I still remember her name though.

I know, I know...This is a simple white bread recipe, but it goes a long way. Feel free to experiment with whole grain flour, etc.

PREPARATION TIME: 2-4 hours
BAKING TIME: 20 minutes
YIELDS: 2 medium sized round loaves of bread

1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons (1 packet) yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups warm water (if it burns your finger, it's too hot)
5 1/2 cups white flour (experiment with whatever types and combination you like. The lady has mostly white wheat, with some added oat bran and wheat germ for interest.)

1. Add sugar and yeast to warm water and let dissolve.
2. Gradually add salt and flour to liquid and mix thoroughly until dough pulls from sides of bowl.
3. Turn onto floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes
4. Let dough rest in bowl for a few minutes (I let it sit for 10 minutes) then knead again for about 3 more minutes. The dough should be bouncy and smooth.
5. Put dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn over once to grease the top
6. Cover with towel and let rise until double in bulk, which would take about 1 to 3 hours (mine took a bit under 2 hours)
7. Punch dough down, knead briefly then shape into 2 rounds
8. Place on cookie sheet or baking stone and let rise about another hour
9. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F for 15 minutes.
10. Pour 2-3 cups boiling water into a shallow roasting pan and position on oven bottom. (I skipped this step)
    
11. Put the cookie sheet or baking stone with bread on top on the rack above water and bake for 20 minutes
12. Turn off and allow bread to remain for 5 more minutes
13. Remove and let it cool.