Soft and fluffy bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and yeast. Stir to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
4. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
   After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf by folding the dough into itself, then rolling it tightly to fit into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
   Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
   Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to make three shallow slashes on the top. This helps the bread rise evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool the Bread:
   Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy!