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1
Put water, salt, sugar, oil and yeast in bread mixer (use the paddle rather than whisk attachment).
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2
Mix until yeast is dissolved.
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3
Add a few cups of flour and begin mixing.
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4
If preparing bread by hand, the first few cups of flour can be mixed in the bowl with a spool.
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5
However, you will need to remove dough from the bowl and begin mixing by hand once it becomes thicker.
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6
Continue adding flour until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl.
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7
You'll need less flour for white bread than you will for whole wheat flour--or you can use any combination of both.
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8
My mom sold a lot of half and half bread.
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9
If kneading by hand, the dough should stick to your hands slightly.
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10
Coating your hands with oil/shortening will help keep the dough from sticking too much.
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11
Continue mixing on high speed for 7 more minutes.
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12
If kneading by hand, work the dough for at least 10-15 minutes.
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13
Divide the dough into five equal portions.
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14
Form each loaf and put into a greased loaf pan.
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15
Let loaves rise to desired height--or double in size for best results.
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16
Cook for 5 minutes at 425 degrees.
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17
Reduce heat to 325 degrees and cook 35 minutes more.
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18
Bread is done when the top is golden to dark brown and has a hollow sound when tapped.
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19
Immediately remove from pans and butter tops of loaves.
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20
Cool on a rack, or enjoy a fresh slice of warm, homemade bread with butter and strawberry jam.
