Ingredients
2 tsp. dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. melted butter
3 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
Directions
Put yeast, water, salt and butter in a measuring cup, stir, and cover with a towel. Let sit. Put 3 cups flour in the bowl of a food processor equipped with a plastic or metal blade. Pulse twice.
With the machine on, add half the liquid ingredients through the feed tube and process just a few seconds. Stop and let sit a few seconds. With machine on again, add remaining liquid just until blended.
Add remaining 1/2 to 1 cup flour a quarter cup at a time, pulsing with each addition (do not overdo the pulsing or the dough will become hot, threatening the yeast). Stop as soon as it forms a smooth, slightly sticky ball. Shape and place in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let rise for 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Punch down the dough. Knead by hand for two minutes and shape into a loaf by folding it in half and patting it. Proceed with instructions for the Basic Bread Loaf.
