Basic White Bread

Ingredients

• 1 package dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (105° to 115°)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• Melted butter or margarine

Preparation

1. Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water. Stir well; cover and let stand at room temperature 5 minutes or until bubbly. Combine yeast mixture, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt, oil, and half the flour in a large mixing bowl. Beat mixture at low speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
3. Punch dough down. Turn out onto a floured surface; let rest 15 minutes.
4. Roll dough into a 14- x 7-inch rectangle. Beginning at narrow edge, roll up dough; press firmly to eliminate air pockets. Pinch edges to seal. Place dough, seam side down, in a well greased 9- x 5- x 3-inch loaf pan. Cover and repeat rising procedure 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375° for 50 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove bread from pan immediately; cool on wire rack. Brush with melted butter.