This is my simple white bread recipe that I have been using for years.  I stopped using the breadmaker since it is so easy...and tastes better!  It's traditional in taste and texture...very good in my opinion!

Last month I finally made this easy bread again after months of no fresh bread in the house.  Instead of making bread in recent months, I had been making One Hour Dinner Rolls, but my husband asked for bread.  Since the recipe makes two loaves, we ate one while fresh and froze the other for Easter dinner.

A little secret about my husband and me: When I make homemade bread, we eat about half of the loaf when it is still warm.  Not with a meal, but as a snack.  We may like it a wee bit too much!
Homemade White Bread
makes 2 loaves

2 cups warm water
1/3 to 2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast (or 1 1/8 tablespoons instant yeast)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
6-7 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in the water. Stir in the yeast. Allow to proof until yeast is foamy.  Stir in the salt and oil. Mix in flour, one cup at a time until you have mixed 6 cups. (I use the Kitchen Aid dough hook to do this.) To measure the flour, lightly sprinkle the flour into the measuring cup. Level it with the straight edge of a knife.

The dough should clear the sides of the bowl, but still stick some to the bottom. If it does not clear the sides, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, allowing dough to mix well after each addition. Knead dough for 5-7 minutes.  

Place bread dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise for about one hour, or until doubled. Punch dough down. Knead a few times on a floured surface. Divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in two well-oiled bread pans. Allow to rise again for 30 minutes or until dough is just above the rim.  

Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes. Remove from pan and place on cooling rack. Butter the dome of the bread, if desired. Allow to cool before cutting if you can wait that long...
~ Annette {This Simple Mom}