Single Loaf White Bread

Sometimes you only need a smaller batch, for example to make a shaped loaf like my Ham and Cheese Braid. Here's what I've used in the past.

Ingredients

1 pkg. active dry yeast

1 ¼ cups warm milk (100° to 110° F)

1 Tbs. sugar

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 ½ tsp. salt

1 egg

3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Directions 

Put warm milk into a medium size bowl.  Add yeast, stir to dissolve.  Add sugar, egg, salt and oil.  Add 3 cups of flour and beat well.  Work in enough of remaining flour to form a soft dough.  Knead for 6 to 8 minutes.  Rinse and dry the bowl, then oil the surface of the dough and place in the bowl.  Cover with a clean, dry dish towel, and let rise in a warm place free from drafts for about one hour, or until doubled in volume.  Punch dough down and knead briefly to expel larger air bubbles.  Use the dough as directed.

For a standard loaf, form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased loaf pan. (Click on VIDEOS on my home page and you'll find a short instruction that may prove useful). Let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.  Bake at 375° F. for about 35 to 40 minutes.  Bread is done when it slides easily from the pan and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.  Cool on a wire rack.