White Bread

By Kids Cooking Activities

• Yield: 2 loaves
• Skill Focus: Yeast bread baking

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 cups warm water, about 110 degrees
• 2 tablespoons yeast or 2 packages of yeast
• 1/4 cup shortening, melted, or canola oil
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 7 to 8 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of the sugar in the warm water.
2. Make sure the water is about 110 degrees. If it is too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it is too cold, the dough may not rise well.
3. Add the yeast to the warm water and sugar mixture. The yeast should begin to froth or foam.
4. In a bowl, add shortening, salt, remaining sugar, and 7 cups of flour. Stir together.
5. Add the yeast mixture and mix to make a soft dough.
6. Add enough flour to create a dough ball.
7. Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface and knead with your hands.
8. In a large clean bowl, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
9. Place the bread dough in the oiled bowl. Cover with a towel and leave in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
10. After 30 minutes, punch the dough down and knead for 1 minute.
11. Form the dough into 2 loaves and place them in 2 loaf pans.
12. Cover again and let rise 30 minutes.
13. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Teaching Tip: Let teens check the water temperature and watch the yeast foam so they can see the science in action before mixing the dough.