Makes 6 loaves
8 cups warm water
1/4 cup active dry yeast
Dash of white granulated sugar
Mix together and let “foam” for 10 minutes in a warm place, covered.
After 10 minutes, pour yeast mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add:
2 tbsp salt
2/3 cup olive oil
2/3 cup honey
10 cups all-purpose flour + 4-7 cups more after mixing.
Mix. Add 5-7 more cups flour (ONE CUP AT A TIME) until dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead by hand on lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes. Place dough in a greased large bowl and spray dough with cooking spray. Then cover with a dish towel and let the dough rise until doubled in size, 30-45 minutes. Generously grease 3 (9 x 5 in) loaf pans and set aside.
Punch down the dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead it briefly to remove the air bubbles. Divide dough in thirds, knead each section a few times, and then shape into a loaf. Place the dough into prepared loaf pans. Rub the top of the loaves with soft butter then cover with a dish towel and let rise 30-45 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the loaves for 30 minutes. Immediately remove loaves from pans and cool on a wire rack. Rub the top with butter while still hot! You can freeze this bread in a freezer bag for up to 2 months!
