Simple White Bread

3 1/3 cups plain flour
2 tsp (7g/1 sachet) dried yeast
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
Melted butter or milk

1) Combine flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl and mix well. Make a well in the center and add water. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine and then use your hands to finish mixing the dough in the bowl. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. The dough has been kneaded enough when you can press your finger into it and it springs back.

2) Shape the dough into a ball. Then spray the inside of a clean bowl with cooking spray. Place the dough into the bowl coating it with the cooking spray, then turn the dough over so that the oiled surface of the dough is on top (this keeps the dough from cracking as it rises). Place the bowl in a warm spot with a towel over it for about 45 to 60 minutes to rise. It should be doubled in size.

3) Punch the dough with your fist to release the carbon dioxide, then knead the dough for another 3 minutes or until it's back to its original size. Cut the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a smooth round. Lightly grease a loaf pan and place the two portions into the pan side by side. Brush the top with the melted butter or milk, then cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 390*F (200*C).

4) Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. To test, tap load on the base and if it sounds hollow, it's done. Cool on wrack and then slice and eat!