This is only my 3rd successful loaf of bread out of 6 using other recipes after I stopped using my 15 yr. old bread machine. I don't miss the big hole in one end from the mixing paddle. However, I now use a KitchenAid Pro stand mixer with a spiral dough hook followed by a little hand kneading before rising. IMO this is the absolute best yeast bread recipe I've tried. The results: a full high crown, flavorful, light and fluffy on par with store bought varieties and much better than the spongy crusts with the bread machine. I did substitute 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 2 tsps of instant yeast rather than 2 1/2 tsps of active dry Yeast. I used bread flour rather than all-purpose. I also did a quick--5 minute--luke warm proofing in the mixing bowl first to give the instant yeast a head start. I didn't change any of the other ingredients or water amounts. This recipe is a keeper! A big THANKS!

Reviewed On: Oct. 29, 2007