Kittencal'S Old Fashioned White Bread

1. 1

   Fit a heavy-duty stand mixer with kneader blade.

2. 2

   In a small saucepan scald 1/2 cup milk with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons salt until very warm stirring with a spoon until no sugar or salt granules remain; set aside until luke-warm (for faster cooling place in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes on your top fridge shelf).

3. 3

   Place 4 cups white flour and 3 tablespoons shortening (or lard) in the stainless steel mixing bowl along with the warm milk mixture; cover bowl with a towel to keep the milk warm.

4. 4

   In a cup mix together 1-1/4 cups warm water with 2 teaspoons sugar, mix with a spoon until the sugar is dissolved; add in 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast, stir with a spoon for about 15 seconds.

5. 5

   Place a towel over the cup and proof for about 8-10 minutes or until foamy.

6. 6

   Place the water/yeast mixture in the bowl.

7. 7

   Start mixing/kneading add in more flour as needed to create a soft smooth dough (about 8 minutes).

8. 8

   Remove the dough to a very lightly floured surface; cover with a clean tea towel and let rest for about 5-8 minutes.

9. 9

   Gather up the dough and shape into a ball, then place in a large well greased bowl.

10. 10

    Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour (I use my oven!).

11. 11

    Punch down the dough and place on a surface.

12. 12

    Using hands (not a rolling pin) flatten to a 10 x 14-inch rectangle (trust me this dough will shape beautifully, no need for a rolling pin!).

13. 13

    Roll the dough up tightly then seal the long seam.

14. 14

    Using a knife slice off the dough ends just enough to fit into your 8x4-inch pan, then pinch the dough ends together to seal (you can shape the two ends in a ball and freeze to make buns or discard the dough).

15. 15

    Place in a dark metal 8 x 4-inch bread pan.

16. 16

    Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes or until doubled.

17. 17

    Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.