Basic bread Recipe

In a large bowl, pour 1 ¼ cup wrist warm water. Add one package of fast acting yeast. Stir rapidly until the yeast dissolves and you see some bubbles. Let those bad boys work for about 10 minutes.

Add ¼ cup oil or melted butter. (Melted, but not hot!) Stir. Add ¼ cup honey. Stir. Hit it with a pinch of salt. Stir. Add 3 ½ cups of flour slowly. White or whole wheat, either works. As you are adding it, keep stirring until the dough comes together. If it hasn’t formed a ball, add a bit more flour, but it is okay if it is a bit sticky.

Turn the dough out on a heavily floured counter. Knead until the dough goes smooth and begins to resist you. Place in a bowl and cover with a towel. I like to let it sit on a warm oven, or you can turn the oven light on and place the bowl inside. Let rise for 1 hour.

When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down. Literally. Punch that bitch right in the face. I mean, don’t hurt yourself, but don’t be a wussie either. Turn it out and roll softly into a loaf shape.

Place in a greased bread pan, cover, and let it rise for another hour.

Remove the towel and tent with a piece of aluminum foil. (Really, build that bread baby a pup tent.) Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes and then take off the foil to bake for 30 minutes more. Keep your eyes on that bad boy for the last 10 minutes or so to make certain the top doesn’t go too brown. When you think it is done, take it out and tap tap on the top. If it sounds hollow, its done. If not, back in the oven for 5 minutes increments.

Take out of the pant to cool on a rack.