Grandma Vandoren's White Bread

Ingredients

• Servings: 3
• 3 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 8 cups bread flour

Recipe

• in a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, salt, oil, sugar, and 4 cups flour. mix thoroughly, and let sponge rise until doubled in size.
• gradually add about 4 cups flour, kneading until smooth. place dough in a greased bowl, and turn several times to coat. cover with a damp cloth. allow to rise until doubled.
• punch down the dough, let it rest a few minutes. divide dough into three equal parts. shape into loaves, and place in three 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch greased bread pans. let rise until almost doubled.
• bake at 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) for 35 to 45 minutes. the loaves may need to be covered for the last few minutes with foil to prevent excess browning.