Baking Day! Fresh Bread!

I have determined that today is a baking day and I am starting with some bread!  Would you like to come along?

First up: Dissolve a couple of packages of yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water (105-115 degrees)

I just put the yeast into my mixing bowl as that is where everything will be added anyway.  No sense in making more dirty dishes than we have to.  It will sit and dissolve, bubbling as it goes.

Next:  Have 2 2/3 cup warm water, 3 tablespoons shortening, and the dry ingredients (1/4 cup sugar, 1T salt, 5 cups of flour) ready to mix in.  (Pay no attention to the onions and garlic in the background, they are not going into the bread)

To the yeast add the water, shortening, and dry ingredients.  Mix well

Now, beat until smooth, adding additional flour until dough is easy to handle.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic -- about 10 minutes, adding flour as needed.

Have your sweetheart (or you can do it yourself) grease a bowl

Place dough in greased bowl and then turn greased side up.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until double -- about an hour or so.

Oh look --- isn't this fun?  Science at work.

Punch down the dough - yep, my sweetie is learning today too

Divide it in half

Take one half and roll it into a rectangle 18x9 inches.

Roll up, beginning at short side.  With side of hand, press each end to seal and fold ends under loaf.

Placed in greased loaf pan and brush lightly with butter.

Let rise until double - about an hour.  (Background shows what I did during the first rise -- scones, banana bread, and gingersnaps)

Heat oven to 425 degrees and place loaves on low rack to that tops of pans are in center of ovens.  Do not let the pans touch each other.  Bake 30-35 minutes or until deep golden brown and sound hollow when you tap on them.

Remove from pans and brush with soft butter.  Cool on wire rack.  Enjoy.  I know Mister will.