Illustration by Francisco Caceres

Web Exclusive… Everyday White Bread By Fred Thompson, March-April 2004 An AARPmagazine.org reader-submitted recipe

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Recipe: Everyday White Bread

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AARPmagazine.org’s Recipe Guide

(Makes two loaves)

• 2 cups tepid water
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup dry milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put all ingredients into bread machine, and activate on "dough" cycle. My machine mixes the ingredients, takes the dough through a rise, and then deflates the dough.

(Note: If not using a bread machine, mix all ingredients, then knead dough until smooth and elastic. Place into bowl, turn to coat, and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm, draft-free place to rise until doubled in bulk, about one hour.)

Divide the dough in half, and shape in 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 Teflon-lined bread pans. Let rise until doubled in bulk.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove the loaves from pans, and let them cool on wire rack.