Making Bread

I wanted to try something that is hard to learn but really simple once you master it-bread loaves. The recipe is really basic but it takes a lot of time so only make this is you're bored all day. Also, it really heated up my apartment so I suggest doing this in winter more than summer haha. To get a really nice crust on your loaf you can use an egg wash (mixture of one egg and a splash of water whisked together) or what I prefer-using steam. For some reason the steam in the oven leads to a crispy crust. I don't know the science behind it but I know it works!

1 envelope dry yeast
1 tbsp. sugar
2 c. warm water
1 tbsp. salt
4 c. flour

In a large bowl dissolve yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 4 cups flour and salt. Turn out onto floured surface. Lift and turn dough which is very soft, until it sticks enough to knead. Add more flour if necessary. Knead 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Put in oil lined bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until doubled (45 minutes).

Turn dough out onto floured surface, pat flat and dust with flour. Fold in half and then half again. Return to bowl and let rise 30 minutes.

Turn dough out onto floured surface, divide into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let rest 5 minutes. Shape each ball into an oval and roll up like a jelly roll. Place on greased sheet. Let rise until almost double. Brush loaves with well-beaten egg and water mixture (if using-only use egg wash or steam, NOT BOTH!)

Baking: place an oven proof pan in the bottom of your oven while cold. Allow to heat up with oven. When placing in the bread pour about 1/4 cup into the hot pan CAREFULLY! there will be a lot of steam and steam can burn you! Quickly close the oven to trap the steam inside. You'll do this again about 5 minutes before the baking is finished. Bake in 450 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.