Shaker Daily Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 packages fast-acting dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl.
2. Warm the milk and melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in it.
3. Stir in the sugar and salt and allow to cool to lukewarm.
4. Add this to the yeast bowl along with 3 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth with a mixer.
5. Add the remaining flour and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
6. Place the dough on a plastic counter and butter the top of the dough with about 2 tablespoons butter. Cover the dough with a very large stainless steel bowl and allow to rise until double in bulk.
7. Punch down and shape into 2 loaves for large loaf pans.
8. Place in loaf pans, then again brush the top of the dough and allow to rise until double in bulk.
9. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes.