Amish White Bread

Oh my!!  This is the best bread.  I make some each week.  This bread is good for sandwiches but is so amazing toasted with butter, and it makes the best grilled cheese!  I hope you like this as much as I do!  This recipe is adapted from Bakerette.  I do use the instant yeast which does require the yeast to be activated at 120 - 130 degrees.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
• 1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together sugar, yeast, milk and water. Cover and allow the yeast to activate and foam for about 5 minutes.
2. Mix in salt and oil into the yeast.
3. Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, slowly add flour one cup at a time mixing well after each addition. Tip: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off. Don't scoop or pack it in.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for five minutes until dough is smooth and elastic or continue to use the mixer to knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a well-greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a lightly warmed place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide into two equal pieces. Shape into loaves and place in 2 greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for 30 mins or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from pans and with a pastry brush, lightly brush melted butter immediately after so the crust stays nice and soft.