Homemade Bread

I have had so many people ask me how I make my homemade bread, that I thought I would just show you how on here.  Here are two things to remember. First, it is super easy. Don't think too much about it.  Second, do not be scared of yeast.  The worst that can happen is it won't rise. It's ok.  You'll do better the second time.
This is a very basic recipe that you can change to cinnamon rolls, cinnamon swirl bread, or add some herbs for any number of variations.  It only uses six ingredients and everyone should have them and keep them in food storage. Then you'll know you can always make bread. And believe me, you can live on bread. When I make it, we often just have bread for dinner cuz that's all everyone wants to eat. It is it's best right out of the oven, but it is also great toasted with cinnamon sugar or jelly on top.  It also does well for grilled cheese sandwiches or french toast.  Ok, so here it is:

2 cups warm water (not hot, just warm)
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup oil
6 cups flour

Put them in a mixing bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid but you can use just a regular mixing bowl and mix by hand.) in the order I put them in. **Note: I am not an exact measuring person. I use a heaping half cup and the flour is whatever. Don't worry about it. :) Use your dough hook or mix with wooden spoon until it is all mixed and pulls away from the side. If using a stand mixer, I just set it on the lowest setting and put away all my ingredients and by then it is done.  This is what is should look like.

Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled.  I will mix in the morning before I head out to do errands and then by the time I come home for lunch, it is ready.  It will look something like this.

Now dump it onto the counter and start kneading it down. Punch it, roll it. Get all the air out.

Now cut it into three equal pieces. Use a knife--do not pull it as it will break apart the properties of the yeast.

Form each ball into a bread loaf and place in greased bread pan.  Cover and let rise. (A few hours)

Preheat oven to 350 and then bake for 20 minutes or a few minutes longer until golden brown.

Remove from pans. I just place mine on the kitchen towel I have been using when covering them while rising.

I like to butter the tops right when they come out of the oven.  Just gives them a little extra flavor!  Hope this helps. Please comment if you have any questions or if you try it out. Tell me what you think!  Enjoy!