Homemade Sandwich Bread

We've started trying to make our own bread and this recipe came out the winner. It's so soft and yummy and extremely easy.

1 envelope active dry yeast or 1Tbsp from a jar
1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 Tbsp honey or 2Tbsp sugar (I haven't tried it with the honey yet)
1.5 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1/2 Tbsp Kosher Salt
3 cups all-purpose flour (for whole wheat, use 2 cups all purpose and 1 cup whole wheat)

1. In bowl of electric mixer, sprinkle yeast over warm water.

2. Add honey/sugar, butter, salt and mix until yeast is dissolved.

3. Let stand for about 5 minutes until foamy.

4. Add flour and mix on low using a dough hook until pulled together. You may need to add either a little extra water or a little extra flour depending on consistency. It should be slightly sticky, yet pull away from the bowl when mixed.

5. Turn mixer med and let go for about 6-8 minutes (the dough hook does the kneading for you).

6. Coat a large bowl with melted butter or cooking spray and let dough rise until doubled in a warm place free of drafts.

**Hint about getting a faster rise.  Before you even start turn your oven on to warm or about 100F.  When you get to step 6.  Turn the oven off and put the bowl of dough in the oven to rise.  This cuts down on time by quite a bit.

7. Punch down dough and knead until smooth. Then shape into a log with the seam underneath.

8. Place in a well greased bread pan and let rise until 1-1.5 inches over the top of the pan.  (If you place it on top of the stove while the oven pre-heats it will go faster and should only take about 45 minutes)

9. Pre-heat oven to 400.

10. Bake for 20 minutes until internal temperature is 190-200 degrees and loaf sounds hollow when you knock on the bottom after removing from the pan.

11. When done, immediately turn out onto a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing.

Makes 1 loaf 20-25oz.