(by Kresha Richman Warnock)
3 packages active dry yeast
1/2 lb. salted butter (although Mom used margarine)
12 c. all-purpose unbleached flour (up to 4 c. of it can be whole wheat)
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 T. salt
4 c. milk
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 c. water. (Must be in an old mug!)
Melt butter, and set aside to cool
In a square yellow plastic bin or other large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Make a well, and add the milk, melted butter, and dissolved yeast.
Mix with a spoon until you can’t mix it any more. Then knead until the mixture forms a large, smooth ball.
Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Punch down and divide into 4 batches.
Form into 4 loaves and place in greased loaf pans, either 8 x 4 or 9 x 5.
(Mom would usually make 3 loaves and shape the last batch of dough into
approximately 24 small knotted rolls or 12 hamburger buns.)
Let rise for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Bake loaves for about 40 minutes, rolls for about 20 minutes.
(Read Did I Mention I Love Bread?, the story that accompanies this recipe.)