Basic White Bread


2 packages yeast
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups warm water
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
8-9 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 cup water in large bowl. Let set until foamy 5-10 minutes. Combine yeast mixture, remaining sugar, 2 cups warm water, salt, vegetable oil, and 4 cups flour. Beat well for 5 minutes: add remaining flour 1 cup at a time, until a stiff dough is formed. Turn dough out of bowl onto a well floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour if needed. Form into a ball and place in a well greased bowl: turn to coat surface. Cover and let rise. Punch done, and divide into 3 portions and allow to rest 10 minutes. shape into 3 loaves, cover and let rise. Bake in preheated oven (400 degrees) for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on racks.


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