Amish White Bread

2 cups warm water
2/3 cup white sugar
1 Tbsp. and 1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast (or 2 pkgs. Rapid Rise yeast**)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Add yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.

Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Work in 5 to 6 cups flour. Knead dough on a lightly floured, level surface. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch down dough. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well-oiled 9x5 loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

**Rapid Rise yeast should be mixed into the dry ingredients. When using it, you may omit one rising but allow ten minutes for the dough to rest after kneading.