Serves: 5
Total Calories: 327

1 tablespoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
4 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons very soft butter
2 eggs
2 to 2 1/2 cups white unbleached flour

1. Place all of the ingredients except the flour in a large mixing bowl* and stir with a wooden spoon. Add 2 cups of the flour and continue to stir, adding more flour a little at a time, until you can handle the dough.

2. Sprinkle the dough with flour and begin to knead directly in the bowl (or on a floured board), adding more flour as necessary. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.

3. Wash the bowl and butter its bottom and sides generously. Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, buttered side up. Cover and set in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in bulk.

4. Punch down the risen dough. It is now ready to use or store for later use. To store, simply form the dough into a ball, butter the outside, and place in a plastic bag (the butter will keep the dough from sticking to the bag). Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three or four days. Be aware that it will probably rise a little, so be sure to punch it down before using.

* If you are making a single recipe, you can use an ordinary large mixing bowl; if you are going to double or triple the recipe, consider the dishpan method for mixing the ingredients and kneading the dough.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 327
Calories from Fat: 91

More Recipes from the Great Natural Breads Made Easy Cookbook:
Basic Sweet Yeast Dough
Jam Buns
Swedish Tea Ring
Caramel Rolls (Schnecken)
Crumb Cake
Hot Cross Buns
Turnovers
Stollen
Kulich
Panettone