| Best basic bread recipe. It is also versatile, permitting the addition of other ingredients to vary the flavor. |
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| 12 servings |
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[1]
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1 1/3
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cups
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water
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[2]
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2
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tablespoons
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butter
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[3]
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4
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tablespoons
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sugar
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[4]
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1
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tablespoon
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salt
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[5]
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1
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tablespoon
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powdered milk
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[6]
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4
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cups
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bread flour
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[7]
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1
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tablespoon
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active dry yeast
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1. Combine all ingredients in mixer with dough hook, kneading 10 minutes.
2. Let rise 1 hour.
3. Knead 5 minutes, in mixer or by hand, dividing dough into 2 large bread pans or 9-inch spring-form pans.
4. Let rise until double in size, at least 1 hour but longer if not in a warm environment.
5. Bake at 350°F until deep golden brown, approximately 40 minutes. Periodically spray oven's interior walls with water to raise humidity, creating a robust crust.
6. Allow at least 1 hour to cool before cutting.
Variations
Light Wheat Bread - replace 1 cup of bread flour with 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
Rye Bread - replace 1 cup of bread flour with 1 cup of rye flour and add 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds.
Herb Bread - add fresh and dry herbs: rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano and thyme.
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