Instructions

1. Gather all the items you will need for the specific recipe you choose. Pre-measure and sift at least 6 cups of the flour if the recipe calls for it. Sifting will loosen it and you could need up to 8 cups flour total to reduce stickiness.

2. Mix the yeast, 1/4 cup water and appropriate sweetener in a large mixing bowl. Allow a few minutes for the yeast to soften and dissolve.

3. Measure the flour and salt, and any other dry ingredients called for. Mix together in a bowl.

4. Add the remaining water and gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast combination. About 1/2 cup of flour at a time works -- blend together smoothly before adding more. Stir them together and add more flour until the dough begins to form.

5. Add the remaining flour and knead the dough. Using your clean, bare hands, press the dough, punch it down, over and over until it begins to take on a shine. The dough should be dry and not stick to your fingers. If it does, add a dusting of flour and keep kneading. This usually takes about 5 or 10 minutes.

6. Shape the dough into a single large ball. Place the ball of dough into a slightly oiled large bowl so it can rise.

7. Cover the bowl with a clean, dry cloth and allow the dough to rise. This can take between one and three hours, depending on the given recipe.

8. Stick two fingers into the dough after it has at least doubled in size. If the fingerprints remain, your dough is ready to continue.

9. Punch the entire ball of dough down again and knead it slightly.

10. Shape the dough into the form of bread you choose. Long, thin loaves are common for French or Italian breads; some Greek and other European breads are round. Shape it accordingly.

11. Place the shaped dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or into the loaf pan.

12. Wait until the dough has nearly risen to double again, then turn on the oven to the desired temperature. In the U.S., this is typically 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it pre-heat for a few minutes.

13. Put the baking pan with the shaped dough into the oven. Set the timer for baking time -- usually around 45 minutes to an hour. Be sure to check your specific recipe for time requirements.

14. When the bread has turned a golden brown or the appropriate color for your recipe, remove it from the oven. Add butter and enjoy while the cooking and mixing pans are soaking to be cleaned later.