Ingredients:
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 tablespoon salt
6 1/4 to 6 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in warm water; let stand until bubbles form on surface.
Mix in remaining sugar, salt and 3 cups of flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until smooth.
Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in two greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.
The recipe yields 2 loaves of bread. You can add herbs, cheese, olives or other ingredients to the dough to create different variations. Enjoy your homemade bread!
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