Favourite Friendship Bread

Directions

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.

In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast; blend well.

In small saucepan, heat water and oil until very warm (120-130 degrees F).

Add warm liquid to flour mixture.

Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed.

Stir in additional 3½ to 4 cups flour, until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.

On floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 mins.

Place dough in greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel.

Let rise in warm place (80-85 degrees F.) until light and doubled in size, about 1½ hrs.

Punch down dough several times to remove air bubbles.

Allow to rest on board covered with inverted bowl for 14 mins.

Shape as desired.

Allow to rise until almost doubled, then bake until done.

Bake in 375 degree F oven for about 35 minutes, or until bread is golden and brown.