5 1/2 cups flour
1 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
2 packages dry yeast
2 Tbsp oil
2 cups warm water
Combine yeast, sugar, and water in bread bowl. Let stand about 5 minutes until yeast is foamy. Add oil, flour and salt. Knead until smooth if using bread mixer, adding additional flour if needed. If you are mixing the dough by hand, add just 3 cups of flour and blend until moistened at low speed of an electric mixer then 3 minutes at medium speed. Stir in remaining flour by hand to form a stiff dough. Knead until smooth (about 5 minutes). Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover with a dry towel. Let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size. Punch down dough; divide in half. Divide each half into three parts. Form each part into a strip about 14 inches long. Braid the three strips together sealing the ends. Place on greased cookie sheet (or use silpat) Repeat with other half of dough. Cover loosely and let rise until light and doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Brush with butter.
Yield: 2 loaves
I like to make this bread using 1/2 white flour and 1/2 fresh ground whole wheat flour
