Awesome Homemade Bread and Croutons

This is my favorite bread recipe so far.  It usually turns out better looking on the top, but I put a little too much flour in it.  I have been trying to make more things from home so that we will not eat so many preservatives.  I have really enjoyed cooking, and it is so much easier with a baby who is quieter. :)

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 6 cups bread flour

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
2. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.

The bread is a little sweet so if you do not like to taste the sweetness cut back on the sugar.  For us, we love it just like it is. 

To make the croutons you just slice, butter, and dice.  Put on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes on 350.  They are just as good as Cracker Barrel's croutons!!