Lesson Two
White Bread

Step Two

White Bread
(makes 2 loaves)
6-1/2 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
2 packages (4-1/2 teaspoons) yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1-1/4 cups water
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Procedure

To measure the flour, use a large spoon to scoop the flour from its container into a dry measuring cup. Level off excess flour with the flat side of knife. Measure 3 cups of flour into a large mixing bowl; add sugar, salt and yeast, measuring with tablespoon and leveling with flat side of knife. Using a liquid measuring cup measure water, milk and oil; combine and heat to 120º to 130ºF.
It is important to use a thermometer to check the temperature of liquids. If it is not warm enough, the yeast may not dissolve well in the dough. If liquid is too warm, it could actually cook the yeast so that it will not activate.

Think of yeast as similar to seeds we plant in soil. For example, if we cooked the peas before planting them, they would not grow. So it is with yeast, if the liquid is too warm, the yeast will not grow.


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