Grandma Sidney Wallace’s Bread

Follow the general directions in the Utah State University Extension Service “Yeast Breads” booklet. This recipe makes four loaves, plus a little over for rolls, scones, small loaf, etc.

Ingredients:
14 c flour (Any flour may be used; white, unbleached, whole wheat, rye, triticale, bread flour, etc. I use “bread flour” for white bread, and use “some” bread flour in the other kinds of bread. For “whole wheat” bread I use 5 or 6 C. stone-ground whole wheat flour with bread flour.)
5 c lukewarm water
1 ½ c powdered milk (If fresh milk is used follow directions for “scalding.)
1 c (2 squares) melted margarine.
1 c honey (or brown sugar or white sugar)
2 Tbs salt
Softened yeast (proofed): 1 Tbs + s t. yeast in ½ c lukewarm water with a Tbs sugar. Stir and let bubble).

Optional, but fantastic:
2 “globs” liquid lecithin.
¾ c gluten flour (expensive kind)
(The lecithin, gluten flour and special yeast may be purchased at “Kitchen Kneads” (Magic Mill), 725 West Riverdale Road, phone 399-3221.)

Directions:
Pour lukewarm water in mixing bowl, add melted fat, sweetener (honey, etc.) and salt, and start mixing.
Gradually add about 4 c of the flour, then the powdered milk, gluten flour, and lecithin. (Lecithin is very “sticky.” Pour it into the dough, wipe lip of bottle with paper towel without touching lecithin. Discard towel.)
Add more of the flour and then add the softened yeast. (The yeast must be added only after part of the flour has been added. If done before, the yeast will bond to the fat and not be as effective.)
Keep adding the flour until the mix is no longer “sticky,” but is a soft dough. If mixing with a dough hook, knead the dough for about 8 min. If by hand, knead the dough for about 10-15 min. This is important!

Follow directions in booklet for bread rising, kneading, and placing in bread pans. Let rise until double. Punch down. Shape into loaves and let rise until almost double.

Pre-heat oven to 500˚. Put bread in oven while lowering to 450˚. Bake at 450˚ for only 10 min, then lower oven heat to 375˚ for remaining 20-25 min.