Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Procedure
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.