Easy White Bread

"I feel thin—sort of stretched—like butter scraped over too much bread..."  Bilbo Baggins

As the end of August approaches, I'm sure that many of you can appreciate the feeling of being stretched too thin as the summer draws to a close.  The past couple of months have felt to me like one big game of musical chairs, with everybody vying to get somewhere else.  Often this results in a number of unanticipated activities and events when we are the ones being visited.

Sometimes, I honestly don't have the time or energy to participate in all of the hubub.  But, I figure that everyone can appreciate a fresh-out-of-the-oven loaf with breakfast. That's why recently, when I found myself in this situation, I put together this loaf for some visiting family to enjoy in my absence:

Easy White Bread

2 Tbsp. butter
1 3/4 c. water
4 c. bread flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish; add water and microwave for 1 minute more. Mix dry ingredients separately. Place preheated wet ingredients in the bottom of a mixer bowl and add the dry ingredients on top. Mix for 1 1/2 minutes, until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Punch down and shape dough into a loaf. Let rise for another 30 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with flour. Cook for 35-40 minutes at  375 ℉. Allow bread to cool slightly before delivering to hungry family and friends!