Amish White Bread

This is extremely similar to that "farm" or "cottage" bread that you can buy from the store - soft crust and everything. Delicious. And my brother and his wife actually use it as their everyday bread, no more store bought for them.

This recipe makes two loaves, but it's pretty easy to cut it in half to make one. (no halving an egg or anything)

2 cups warm water

2/3 cup white sugar

4 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast (or two packets)

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup vegetable oil

6 cups flour

*Dissolve sugar in water. (in the bowl you plan on using for everything) Stir in yeast. Allow to proof (bubble and rise a little).

*Mix salt and oil into yeast. Mix 1 cup of the flour (at a time) into the mixture until all 6 cups are mixed.

*Knead dough on floured surface (or in a mixer that can handle that) until smooth. Place in a well oiled (or sprayed with Pam) bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise (about 1 hour).

*Punch dough down and knead for an additional 2 minutes. Divide dough in half and shape into loaves. Put into well oiled bread tins, cover and allow to rise for about 30 minutes.

*Bake at 350° for 27 minutes.