Buttermilk Bread

ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (warmed to about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

the making of it

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to combine.
2. Add the warm buttermilk and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the top of the pan.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Remove from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.