Magic...

Started with this.... Turned into this...

Finished with this...

The best part is that it all the magic happened in just about 2 hours. Then I was able to top it with my freshly made strawberry jam. Delicious.

So here's the recipe for this amazing loaf of deliciousness (is that even a word??).

It makes 3 loaves.

4 c. warm water

2 Tbsp. yeast

1 Tbsp. salt

2/3 c. sugar (or 1/3 c. honey)

1/3 c. canola oil

10-12 c. all purpose or bread flour (or 1/2 wheat and 1/2 white like I do)

Directions:Pour water into a very large mixing bowl, or into the bowl of a heavy duty mixer. Add the yeast, salt, sugar or honey, oil, and 5 c. of flour, and mix to combine. Gradually mix in an additional 5 c. of flour 1 cup at a time until the dough is smooth. (Add still more flour 1/4 c. at a time if necessary.) Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface, or with a dough hook on low for 12 minutes. Cover with a dish towel (nikki's note: I always place my dishtowel under hot running water and then wring it out until it is just damp- this helps keep the dough from drying out) and let the dough rise until doubled in bulk 30 to 40 minutes.

Generously grease 3 9x5 bread pans and set aside. Punch down the dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead it briefly to remove the air bubbles. Divide the dough into thirds, knead each section a few times, and shape into a loaf. Place the dough into the prepared pans. Cover with a dish towel and let rise 30-45 minues. The dough is ready to bake when you press down slightly with your finger and the indentation remains. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the loaves for 30 minutes. Immediately remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. (nikki's note: I always run a stick of butter over the loaves just after they come out of the pans, because it gives them tops a little glisten and a yummy tasting crust.)

Enjoy!