Farmhouse White Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 packages (2-1/4 teaspoons each) dry yeast
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water (110°F)
• 9 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
2. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add 2 cups of flour, salt, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir in the lukewarm milk and butter mixture.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
7. Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape each half into a loaf.
8. Place the loaves into greased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Cover and let them rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
11. Remove from the pans and let cool on wire racks.

Enjoy your homemade farmhouse white bread!

Recipe adapted from The Old Farmer's Almanac.