White Bread Plus

Recipe from Mindy Bystrom, who writes, “From Joy of Cooking, 1953 edition. This recipe is the closest I could find to be like Grandma Sycamore’s sandwich bread which is only available in Nevada and Utah. Notice it uses lard. I’m guessing you could use shortening or oil but it will change the consistency a bit.”

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White Bread Plus

  • Total time: 3 Hours
  • Servings: 4 Loaves

Ingredients

  • 1 (1/4 oz) Package Yeast (regular or fast rising, I prefer Red Star)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Warm Water
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 1/2 Cup Melted Lard
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 2 Cups Warm Water
  • 8 Cups Flour, plus a little extra for kneading

Directions

  • Combine yeast, 1/2 cup water (105-115°F) and 1 tsp sugar in bowl and allow to proof (until foamy, approximately 5 minutes, or about 10 for standard yeast).

  • Add egg, melted (but not hot) lard, salt and remaining sugar and water (105-115°F).

  • Add 4 cups flour and beat (with a spoon or mixer) for one minute. Stir in remaining flour, one cup at a time, until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and can be handled.

  • Turn out on a floured surface and knead until dough is smooth and pliable, about 10 minutes.

  • Shape into a ball and place into a greased mixing bowl.

  • Turn dough over so greased side is on top, cover with a tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (approx. 1-1 1/2 hours for rapid rise yeast, 2 hours or so for standard yeast.)

  • Punch dough down, turn it over in the bowl, and allow to rise again until almost doubled in size.

  • Punch down and shape into 3 large loaves, or (I prefer) 4 braided loaves. For braided loaves, cut dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each into a long rope and braid them into 4 loaves.

  • Allow loaves to rise.

  • Brush with egg wash (1 egg, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp water) or milk, if desired, and sprinkle with Aunt Jane’s salt.

  • Bake in 375°F oven for approximately 17 minutes (braids) or 30-40 minutes (loaves) until brown on the outside and sounds hollow when tapped.