Crusty White Sandwich Bread

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups warm water (110-115F)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 Tablespoon white sugar
• 2 Tablespoons dry milk powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups bread flour

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the milk powder (if desired), salt and bread flour and mix together until dough comes together in a large ball. Knead until dough forms a smooth ball, about 5-10 minutes. Put in a lightly greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.
2. Punch dough to remove gas bubbles. Knead dough again and form into a log. Put in a greased 9x4-inch baking pan. Let rise again until dough almost reaches the lip of the pan, about 60 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake loaf until golden brown on top and inside registers 190F, about 35-40 minutes.
4. Let cool on wire rack. Slice and eat immediately, or store in the freezer.

Variations:

• Honey-Whole Wheat: Reduce water to 1 1/4 cups. Replace sugar with 1/4 cup honey. Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. Proceed with recipe.