Homemade Bread

I got this recipe many years ago from one of my first friends I made when we moved into Muddy Boot Acres.

2.5 c warm water








just shy of 1/4 c. yeast

top off 1/4 c. with salt water 



let sit for about 3 minutes or so until bubbly
















Add:
1/2 c oil OR
1/2 c applesauce OR
1/4 c. of each
if using the applesauce, it will definitely be stickier.  I would recommend waiting until you are familiar with the basic recipe before trying this.






 add 2
 eggs







and 1/4 c. sugar or honey








Begin folding in up to but no more than 8 cups of unbleached flour 2 c at a time.  If you want a different grain bread,  add 1 c. of that FIRST. ( i.e.  wheat, oat....) after 1/2 the flour is turned in, turn dough onto lightly floured area and knead.  Work the bread until it becomes pliable, but not sticky.

It should start to stand on it's own, but still have some retraction/spongy feel.

 Put in covered oiled bowl until it is noticeably risen.  Best to place it out of draft, in a somewhat warm area.  It should take about  1/2 to 2 hours.  To fast and it will fall.  The same for the 2nd rising.
Roll out of the bowl onto lightly floured surface and knead again,making sure all air bubbles are out or you will have your bread fall apart when cutting. Divide it up into the size of your pans.  It should be evenly distributed into 3 regular size bread pans, or two long loaf pans.  Make sure the pans are oiled, place dough in, then roll so that the oil is all around the dough.  This will keep the flexibility in the final rising.
Bake 350 for 20-25 minutes.**
 Let cool before you take out of pan and bag.
I put it directly into the freezer after bagging and it stays fresh when you take it out of the freezer. Just be sure to take the bag off while letting thaw or bread will become gummy.

**I have since used a toaster/convection oven to bake as to save propane.  I use smaller pans baking only 20 minutes, and bake on upside down broiler pan on bottom rack.  This elevates enough so the bottom won't burn.  Then, for the last 5 minutes, I turn on the toaster option.   This gives it a nice browning on top.