Simple White Bread

I love making bread! There is nothing better in the kitchen than the smell of bread rising and the feeling of accomplishment as you take a piping hot loaf of bread from the oven. This recipe could not be any easier. Anyone can make delicious bread. TIP: if you are baking this time of the year and you keep your home cool; here's a nice tip. Preheat your oven to it's lowest setting. Turn oven off. In an oven safe dish place 2 c. boiling water. Place that pan of water onto the bottom rack of your oven. Place your bread dough (in the bowl) with either plastic wrap or a bread cloth (I use my bread cloth dish towels) to cover the bowl. Place bowl into oven; if the oven is warmer than 80 or 90 degrees, allow it to cool down a bit then add your bread. This will give you a warm environment for your bread to rise.

Simple White Bread

1 t. sugar
1 package dry yeast
1 1/4 c. warm water (110 - 115 degrees), divided
3 c. flour
1 1/4 t. salt
cooking spray
1 large egg, slightly beaten (this is used in the final steps of the recipe)

1. Dissolve sugar and yeast in 1/4 c. warm water in a small bowl; allow to stand for 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cup into a large bowl; leveling the top of the flour off. Add the yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Round the bread dough out, tucking any "edges" under the bread round.
4. Place dough into a clean bowl coated with cooking spray, turn the bread round over to coat the bread dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees) free from drafts; 45 minutes or until double in size. (see tip above for rising bread in an oven environment)
5. Uncover the bread; punch dough down. Cover and allow to rise another 30 minutes.
6. Uncover dough again; punch dough down. Cover and allow to rise another 10 minutes.
7. Roll the dough into a 14 x 7" rectangle on a floured surface. Roll up tightly starting with a short edge, pressing firmly to eliminate any air pockets. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
8. Place roll, seam side down, in an 8 x 4" loaf pan coated with spray. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
10. Uncover the bread; brush with slightly beaten egg. Bake for 12 minutes; reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 15 more minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped on top.