Bread

Prepare the dough:

2. In a large bowl or stand mixer add the yeast, water and a pinch of the sugar or honey. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes until foaming and bubbly.
4. Add remaining sugar, salt, oil, honey, and 3 cups of flour. Mix to combine.
6. Add another cup of flour and mix to combine. With the mixer running add more flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It should not stick to your fingers at this point and should be easy to manipulate.
8. Knead the dough: Mix the dough for 4-5 minutes on medium speed or knead with your hands on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes

First Rise:

2. Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours.

Second Rise:

2. Spray two 9x5'' bread pans generously with cooking spray. Punch the dough down well to remove air bubbles. Divide into two equal portions and shape each ball into long logs.
4. Cover pans and allow dough to rise again for about 45 minutes to one hour.

Bake Bread:

2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake bread for about 30-33 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
4. Invert the loaves onto a wire cooling rack. Brush the tops with butter and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.