Basic Homemade Bread

Ingredients

1 package (1 /4 ounce) active dry yeast

2-1 /4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)

3 tablespoons sugar plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons canola oil

6-1 /4 to 6-3/4 cups bread flour

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in warm water; let stand until bubbles form on surface. Whisk together remaining 1 /2 cup sugar, salt, and 3 cups flour. Stir oil into yeast mixture; pour into flour mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour, 1 /2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough.

2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8-1 0 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1 /2 to 2 hours.

3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1-1 /2 hours.

4. Bake at 375° until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped or has reached an internal temperature of 200°, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.