Amish Loaf Bread

Shared with recipegoldmine.com by Megan Roll

2 cups warm water
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 packets yeast (not instant)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (optional)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
5 1/2 cups unbleached flour

In large glass bowl dissolve sugar in the warm water and stir in yeast. Allow to proof about 5-10 minutes. (It will look foamy.) Mix in salt and oil to the yeast. Mix in flour 1 cup at a time. When dough has formed a ball, knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth (not stick) about 5-10 minutes.

Wipe down previously-used glass bowl and oil it well. Place dough in bowl and turn to coat surface of dough with the oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap in a warm area. Allow to rise until it has doubled in bulk.

Knead dough lightly and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well oiled 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.

Heat oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F, and bake for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Let bread sit for at least 15-30 minutes after it comes out of oven to finish setting up.