Step 1

Combine milk, sugar, salt, and butter in small sauce pan. Heat over low heat and stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cool to lukewarm (less than 110 degrees F).

Step 2

If using active dry yeast, dissolve yeast in warm water in a warmed mixer bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Add lukewarm milk mixture and yeast/water mixture to 4 1/2cups of flour.

Step 4

Attach dough hook and turn speed to 2 and mix 1 minute. Continue on Speed2, adding 1/2 cup of the remaining flour at a time until dough clings to hook and cleans the side of the bowl.

Step 5

Knead on Speed 2 for 4 minutes longer or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Dough will be slightly sticky to the touch.

Step 7

Place in a greased bowl, turning the dough to grease the top. Cover, and let rise in a warm place free of drafts, until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

Step 8

Punch dough down and divide in half.

Step 9

Shape each half into a loaf and place in greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 loaf pans.

Step 10

Cover and let rise again in warm, draft free place till doubled. (about 1 hour)

Step 11

Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Step 12

Remove from pans immediately and let cool on wire racks.