Favorite Homemade Bread

Directions

Combine yeast, 1 cup of the warm water and the sugar in a large bowl; stir until the yeast is dissolved.

Let stand until mixture is foamy, about 10 min.

Stir remaining warm water, the oil and salt into yeast mixture.

Whisk together 7 cup of the all-purpose flour and the whole wheat flour in a large bowl until combined.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Add half of the yeast liquid to the well; stir into the flour mixture to blend.

Stir in the remaining yeast liquid until a rough mass is formed.

Turn dough out on floured surface; this is a very soft dough.

Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 min, adding as much of the remaining ¼ cup all-purpose flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Place dough in lightly oiled bowl; turn dough in bowl so all sides are coated.

Cover bowl with towel or lightly greased waxed paper.

Let rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 45 to 50 min or until dough doubles in volume.

Grease three 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans.

Punch dough down.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead lightly.

Divide into thirds.

Place one portion in each of the prepared pans.

Cover with a damp towel or lightly greased waxed paper.

Let rise in warm place, away from drafts, until doubled in volume, for 30 to 45 min.

To bake, heat oven to 400℉ (200℃).

Bake bread for 25 min or until hollow sounding when lightly tapped.

Turn loaves out onto wire racks and let cool completely.