Julia Child Easy Homemade Bread

I know you don't think Julia Child had easy recipes but in this case she did.  I am still searching for the perfect bread recipe.  I think I am getting closer.  The beauty of this bread is that the dough can be used for pizzas and cinnamon rolls as well as loaves of bread.  I don't know if you do this or not, but while I was making this recipe I found myself talking to myself in my head as Julia Child.  To try out your best Julia imitation and break out the yeast.

Two beautiful loaves of bread, just waiting for butter!  You could also use these loaves for sandwiches.

 Look how easy it is.  Nothing special.  I can't believe I have been afraid of bread all these years.

 1 Tablespoon yeast

 1 Tablespoon sugar

 1/2 cup warm water.  Between 105-110 degrees.

 Let it sit for 5 minutes.

 Measure out 2 cups warm (105-110) water.

 3 cups all purpose flour.

 The yeast is foamy. According to Julia if the yeast is not foamy throw it away and start over.  Much better to start over at this stage than have bread that won't rise.

 2 teaspoon salt

 Add the 2 cups water

 1/4 cup softened butter.  Mix.

 Add the 3 cups of flour.  Mix.

 Then add the remaining 3 cups flour.  You still have 1/2 a cup you can add if needed.

 Mix well.

 Knead dough with the mixer for about 8 minutes.

 Then remove from mixer and knead by hand for a few minutes.

 PUT IN A BIGGER BOWL! After you have kneaded the dough by hand put in a lightly greased bowl.

 Cover and place in a warm area for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.  The garage is a really good place in the summer time.

 See I needed a bigger bowl.

 Punch down.  That was fun.

 Split the dough in half and roll out one half.

 Fold the short side over, like folding a letter.

 Then fold the other side over.

 Place the seam side in the bottom of a loaf pan.

 See two nice loaves.  Place back in the warm area to rise for 1 hour.

 After the hour bring the loaves in and place in a preheated 375 oven.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.

 And they come out looking like this.  Remove from the pan right away.

 There is only one thing these loaves need, butter.

I couldn't wait for them to cool so the bread tore and smushed at the bottom.  But it was worth it.

Julia Child Easy Homemade Bread Recipe

2 1/2 cups warm water divided
1 Tablespoon yeast
1 Tablespoon sugar
6 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup softened butter

Rise 1-1 1/2 hour.  Punch down put in loaf pan.  Rise another hour.  Bake in preheated 375 oven for 30-35 minutes.