Recipes from Amish Country :: Amish Yeast and Quick Breads
Shared with recipegoldmine.com by Megan Roll
2 c. warm water
2/3 c. sugar
2 packets yeast (not instant)
1 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1/4 c. canola (or other vegetable) oil
5 1/2 (five and a half) c. unbleached flour
In large glass bowl dissolve sugar in the warm water and stir in yeast. Allow to proof about 5-10 mins. (It will look foamy.) Mix in salt and oil to the yeast. Mix in flour 1 c. at a time. When dough has formed a ball, knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth (not stick) about 5-10 mins.
Wipe down previously-used glass bowl and oil it well. Place dough in bowl and turn to coat surface of dough with the oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap in a warm area. Allow to rise until it has doubled in bulk.
Knead dough lightly and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well oiled 9 x 5-in. loaf pans. Allow to rise for 1/2 an hour.
Preheat oven for 5 mins. at 350 degrees fahrenheit, and bake for 1/2 an hour or until top is golden brown.
Let bread sit for at least 15-1/2 an hour after it comes out of oven to finish setting up.
