Source:

Prickly Pear

Serves/Makes:2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1/4 c warm water
• 2 T (dry/granulated) yeast
• 1/3 c sugar
• 1 t salt
• 1 c hot water
• 3 T butter or margarine
• 1 c cold water
• 6 c (approximately) flour

Preparation

• Dissolve yeast in warm water (105 degrees) and let sit for 10 minutes to proof.
• Put sugar and salt in mixing bowl.
• Add the hot water with butter or margarine melted in it to sugar & salt mixture and mix well.
• Pour in cold water and mix.
• Add flour 1 cup (225 ml) at a time, mixing after each addition.
• Knead for 4-5 minutes with dough hook on mixer OR 15 minutes by hand.
• Turn into an oiled bowl.
• Turn dough over in bowl so top of dough is covered with oil.
• Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in warm place until doubled in size.
• Punch down and remove from bowl.
• Divide into two pieces.
• Form into loaves and place in loaf pans that have been sprayed with PAM (cooking spray).
• Spray tops of loaves with PAM and cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size.
• Remove plastic wrap and bake at 350 degrees (175 C.) in center of oven for 40 minutes.
• Remove from oven and pans and cool on wire racks.
• Can be frozen.

Comments

I've been making this bread for the past 38 years--since I was 14 years old. For a variation: substitute one cup of the white flour with one cup of whole wheat flour.