American Sandwich Bread

I found this recipe on pinterest (where else) and it looked so good I had to try it! I've been really into making my own bread lately. This all began on Monday when it was snowing like crazy. We were completely out of bread (which is a major staple in our home) and there was no way I was going out in that weather. So I emailed my Aunt Andie and got her bread recipe and well here we are now with a second recipe to try! I can cook a lot of different things and they turn out but breads are a bit tricky. So when I get it right, it is quite a triumph! I feel very accomplished when I can successfully make bread. It is so satisfying to make and have it turn out so perfect.This bread rises so beautifully and easily it makes you feel like a master baker. So if you feel a bit intimidated at baking your own bread and don't feel like you can do it, fear no longer! Try it anyways and you will be surprised. Give it a go!

Ingredients:
3 3/4 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
1 c. warm whole milk
1/3 c. warm water
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
3 Tbsp. honey
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp.) instant yeast

Directions:

1. Adjust an oven rack to the lowest position and heat the oven to 200 degrees. Once the oven reaches 200 degrees, maintain heat for 10 minutes then turn off the oven.
2. Mix 3 1/4 c. flour and the salt in a mixer bowl fitted with the dough attachment.
   
3. Mix the milk, water, butter, honey and yeast in a bowl. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the liquid.
   
4. When the dough comes together, increase the speed to medium and mix until the dough is smooth and satiny. Stop the mixer 2 or 3 times to scrape the dough from the sides and the hood, about 10 minutes. (After 5 minutes of kneading, if the dough is still sticking to the sides, add 1 Tbsp. flour at a time up to 1/4 c. total until the dough no longer sticks.)
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead to form a smooth round ball about 15 seconds.
   
6. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Rub dough around bowl to coat lightly. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the warmed oven until the dough doubles in size, 20-30 minutes.
7. On a floured surface, gently press dough into a rectangle 1 inch thick and no longer than 9 inches. With a long side facing you, roll the dough firmly into a cylinder, pressing with your fingers to make sure the dough sticks to itself. Turn the dough seam-side up and pinch it closed.
8. Place the dough seam-side down in a greased loaf pan and gently press it so it touches all four sides of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough doubles, 20-30 minutes.
   
9. Keep one rack at the lowest position and place the other rack in the middle position in the oven. Heat to 350 degrees. Place an empty baking pan on the bottom rack. Bring 2 c. water to boil a tea-pot or small pan. Pour the boiling water into the empty pan on the bottom rack. Set the loaf pan on the middle rack.
10. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Remove bread from pan, place on wire rack, cool to room temperature. Slice and serve.

http://annies-eats.com/2008/07/24/american-sandwich-bread/