Recipe updated on the Recipe thread. Posting here for those not subscribed to it:
Home made Bread - makes 3 Loaves or 12 Large Dinner Rolls
6 cups all purpose or whole wheat flour
3 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
3 tbsp butter or 1/3 cup Olive oil
3 tbsp yeast
2.5 cups water
Heat 1 cup water to 100F (37.5C) and stir in 1/2 cup flour and the yeast into it. Let it sit for around 10 - 15 minutes for the yeast to get activated.
In a large mixing bowl add the flour, butter (or oil) & salt and stir all the ingredients together. Once the yeast mixture has risen, add it to the flour mixture and add water while kneading the dough. Knead for around 10 minutes.
I usually aim for a dough mix that is dry enough not to stick to the sides of the bowl, yes is wet enough that it is soft and pliable.
At this point, leave the dough ball in the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or with plastic wrap. Let it rise until it doubles in size (about 45mins).
Take the risen dough out of the bowl and onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 equal parts, shape them into rough loaf shape and put them into 3 baking pans. Let it rise again for around 30 mins or until it has reached just past the top edge of the pan.
Pre-heat oven to 400F (200C), and put the bread pans into it. The loaves will rise even more once the heat from the oven hits them. This is normal. Reduce oven temperature to 375F (180C) after 10 minutes and then let bake for another 15 - 20 mins. Total baking time around 25 - 30 mins, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from oven when golden brown, and place on cooling rack. Resist the temptation to cut into hot bread.
This recipe can also be used to make yummy Dinner Rolls by using 1.5 - 2 tbsp of yeast instead of the 3 used for loaves. All other ingredients stay the same. Shape the dough into 12 rolls after the first rising, and then proof again as per the recipe up top.