Learning to make things for myself.

I've always loved to bake, in fact I've wanted to open my own bakery for a long time, and nothing tastes better than fresh baked bread. But what makes it tastes even better is knowing you made it with your own two hands. It's so easy and you probably already have all the ingredients you need in your kitchen. Well maybe not the yeast but you can pick that up for pennies on the dollar at any dollar store.

I use the Fleischmann's Dry Yeast bread recipe for my bread. I have found it always turns out soft and wonderful. My family tends to go through a loaf in a day or two, especially if it has been a little while since the last time I made it. This recipe also can be formed into smaller balls to make dinner rolls.

Scald 1/2 cup milk, stir in 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, and 3 tablespoons margarine. Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve 1 package active dry yeast 1 1/2 cups warm water (105F - 115F).Add milk mixture and 3 cups unsifted flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough more flour (1/2 - 1 cup) to make a stiff dough. Dump out onto a floured board or counter top and knead for 8-10 minutes. Place in greased bowl and grease the top of the ball of dough. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Punch down dough. Divide into two equal balls and shape to fit loaf pans. Grease loaf pan and the drop in dough. Cover and let rise to double in size. Beat one egg and 1 teaspoon of water in a bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the loaf with egg mixture. Bake at 400F for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown.

Happy Baking!!