White Bread

About three months ago, I stopped buying bread from the store.  Not cause we couldn't afford it, but I was sick and tired of throwing bread out every week.  I  mean when bread is getting to over $3.00 a loaf I just couldn't take it any more.  With just my husband and I we do not eat bread fast enough.  So when my husband was gone I decided to figure out how to make bread with my kitchen aid.  I have made it in the bread machine before but wanted to figure out how to make it more "homemade".  So I read a few articles off Pinterest and tried a couple of different recipes.  The first time I didn't proof my yeast, so it didn't turn it out at ALL.  In fact I threw the first loaf in the garbage.  Read some more and figured out what I did wrong.  So here is the recipe that I use almost every time I bake bread.  Mariah absolutely loves this recipe.  I really wouldn't use it for sandwiches but to make toast - it absolutely rocks.

1 package yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
4 Tbsp sugar
1/2 Cup warm water

Add water, yeast and sugar in the bowl of the kitchen aid mixer, set aside and let proof for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes add the following ingredients to the bowl.  

3 cups flour
4 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup milk
3 tsp gluten
1 1/2 tsp salt

Using a dough hook let mix for 7-8 minutes. * I usually do have to add in 1-2 Tbsp of water to help dough clear sides of the bowl. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise until almost double.  1 1/2-2 hours depending on how warm it is in your house.










When done rising, punch dough down and roll into shape of a loaf.  Place into greased 9x4-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.  Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes. When golden brown remove and brush with butter.  When cooling on rack lay on side so it doesn't deflate.