Homemade Bread

I have just learned that homemade bread is better than anything I have ever made! It is so tasteful, moist and easier to make than I thought. I used to think of making bread like the women did back in the 1800's. That was enough to keep me away from the kitchen! I recently purchased 2 stoneware bread pans from a friend who sells Pampered Chef. (thanks Jamie!) I've gotta tell you, these are awesome!! Nothing sticks to these pans, I mean NOTHING! The bread comes out perfectly!

So, here is a great recipe I got from a friend. This bread is divine!!

Enjoy!

1-1/2 cups hot water

1/3 cup oil1 cup cold milk

1/3 cup honey

(The resulting temperature will be lukewarm so as not to kill the yeast)

4-1/2 tsp. instant yeast

3 eggs

6 to 7 1/4 cups freshly milled flour

1 Tbs. salt

Combine water, milk, oil, honey and eggs in the bowl of the mixer. Add yeast and about 5 cups of the flour. Mix on medium speed until well blended. Add the salt. Continue to mix adding the flour 1/2 cup at a time. When the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl enough flour has been added. Turn the speed to high and allow to knead 8-10 minutes, or until the dough, forms a smooth ball . Let rise until double. With a single or double batch, you may let the dough rise in the bowl. With a triple recipe, turn the dough out onto a floured surface to let rise.

After rising, form into loaves or other shapes using any of the variations that follow.

I like to braid my loaves. To braid, divide the dough for one loaf into three pieces and roll into ropes. Braid, tucking the ends under. Place in greased loaf pan. Let rise until at least double in size. Bake loaves at 350o for 25-30 minutes. Recipe makes 3 medium size loaves or about 30 dinner rolls.

*Note: One package of yeast is about 2-1/2 tsp. of yeast. With instant yeast you do not need to sprinkle the yeast over the liquids. You may add it with the flour.