Two Loaf Bread Recipe

If four loaves are a bit too much for you or your family, here is the same recipe sized for 2 loaves:

Two Loaf Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 cup of cold water
• 1 egg
• 6-7 cups flour

Directions:

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl.  Warm milk and butter in a pan until the butter melts.  Add cold water to cool to lukewarm.  Add 1 beaten egg and salt.  In a large bowl have ready 6 cups of flour.  Add milk mixture and yeast.  Mix well, adding enough flour to make a stiff dough.  Knead the dough on a floured board (or table) until smooth and satiny and not sticky.  (It is okay to knead it in the bowl.) Place dough in large greased bowl.  Cover with a damp cloth and set bowl in a warm place to rise until doubled.  After it has doubled, punch it down to release the air and allow it to arise a second time. 

Divide dough into four equal parts.  Shape into loaves by pressing flat (with your hands) in a rectangular shape on a floured surface.  Roll into a loaf shape, pressing the edges together.  Place rolls into 2 greased bread pans.  Let rise until doubled again.

Place in oven to bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.  When bread is baked, it should sound hollow when you tap on the top of the loaves.  Remove from pans immediately and cool on racks.  If desired, rub butter or olive oil over the top of each loaf.