Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

A trend that has been circling around on various social media platforms is bread baking. According to cnn.com, it’s possible that people are using it to help preoccupy themselves during this time of social distancing. As a result, minds are occupied and stomachs are full; for those who have been thinking of hopping on the bread-making train, here’s a recipe to try at home.

HOMEMADE BREAD

Start to finish: 4 hours

Servings: 2 loaves (16 slices each)

1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast

2 ¼ cups of warm water (110° to 115°F)

3 tablespoons and ½ teaspoon of sugar

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons canola oil

6 ¼ to 6 ¾ cups of bread flour

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and ½ teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let it stand until bubbles form on the surface. Whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Stir oil into yeast mixture. Pour into flour mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and divide dough in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in 2 greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Bake at 375° F until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped or has reached an internal temperature of 200°F, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks for cooling.

Recipe from tasteofhome.com

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photos by Rylie Horrall