1. |
Mix hot water and sugar in a mixing bowl until mostly dissolved. |
2. |
Lightly mix yeast into water/sugar solution enough to moisten all the yeast. |
3. |
Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes. Yeast and sugar will ferment and create a foam. While waiting, melt the butter and set aside. |
4. |
Add milk and butter to the mixture and slowly start adding flour 1/2 cup at a time into the mixture. Set the mixer on a low setting at first to avoid throwing flour all over the counter. |
5. |
Continue adding flour until the dough no longer sticks to the side of the bowl. It should be tacky to the touch, but not like bubble gum. Turn the mixer up to a higher setting and beat the dough for about 5 minutes. |
6. |
Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and lightly coat the bowl with oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or other). Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and roll the dough around to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 60 minutes. |
7. |
Lightly coat a 9x5" bread pan with oil or cake release. After dough has risen for 60 minutes, remove it from the mixing bowl and beat it down flat on the counter. Fold it over and shape it into a loaf (fold in thirds, then fold once more in half). Place the dough into the pan seam side down and let it rise an additional 30 minutes. |
8. |
Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a slice down the length of the dough. Place the dough in the oven and turn on the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) (no pre-heating). Let the bread bake for 33-35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing. Store bread in a sealed container. |