3 to 3 ½cupsGold Medal bread flour (or any brand)(420 grams)
1 ½tablespoonssugar(20 grams)
1 ½teaspoonssalt
1tablespoonshortening (butter and olive oil work too)(12 grams)
2 ¼teaspoonsquick rising yeast
1cupplus 2 tablespoons very warm water120° to 130°F
Instructions
Grease an 8 ½ by 4 ½ or a 9x5 inch pan with shortening and line with a strip of parchment paper if desired.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together 1 ¾ cup of the flour (about 240 grams), the sugar, salt, shortening and yeast. Add the water and beat with the paddle attachment until well blended, then add remaining flour about ¾ cup at a time until you have a dough that is just slightly sticky but no longer clings to the side of the pan when mixed.
Attach dough hook and let the machine knead for about 8 minutes, adding a little extra flour as needed.
Cover bowl and let rise for 45 minutes or until about doubled in bulk.
On a pastry mat or large clean surface (use extra flour if your dough is sticky), roll or just pat the dough into a rectangle that is 9x18. Starting with the 9 inch side, roll into a cylinder, pinching down dough as you roll.
Squash the dough a bit into a 9 inch log and plop it into the pan. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise for another hour or just until it is about 1 inch (in the middle) over the edge of the pan.
Bake at 425 degrees F. for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake at 425 degrees f for the first 15 minutes, then lower the heat and bake at 375 for another 20 to 25. I like using the second method these days.
Let cool, then carefully remove from pan and let cool completely before slicing.