Measurements [metric]
- 2 pkg yeast
- 1/2 c warm water
- 2 c warm milk
- 3 1/2 c flour
- 2 to 3 eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Either:
- 1 stick butter
- 1 stick margarine
- 1 c sugar
- 1 TB salt (or less)
- 4 1/2 c flour
Dissolve 2 pkg yeast in 1/2 warm water . Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
Add 1/2 cups luke warm milk cooled. Mix in 3 1/2 cup flour .
This makes a loose dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place. Hint: You can put the covered dough in the microwave with a cup of hot water. Close the door to retain the heat - don't run the microwave. This will provide a warm place for the dough to rise.
Beat eggs, add vanilla, butter and salt and beat lightly. Add to loose dough. Mix in 4 1/2 c flour .
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5-10 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.
Note: You can add 1 cup raisins, chopped prunes, or chopped dried apricots if desired while kneading the dough.
Cut dough into 4 loaves. Put into lightly greased pans. Let rise uncovered for 10 minutes.
Then cover and let rise for 1 hour (third rise)
Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-60 minutes. Bread is done when top of the loaves are golden and the bottom of the loaves sound hollow when tapped. If making half the recipe or 2 loaves, bake for 35 minutes.
I made a half recipe and accidently used a full cup of sugar instead of cutting it in half. It turned out sweeter than it should but was great toasted for breakfast with a cup of coffee.