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.
Preheat 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.
