Directions

1. 1. Dissolve yeast in warm water; set aside.
2. 2. Place the milk in a microwave safe bowl and heat, uncovered, for about 45 seconds on high. Add the butter, sugar and salt, stir to combine. Let cool to room temperature.
3. 3. Combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, the yeast water and the milk mixture in a mixer bowl. Beat with mixer until well blended, about two minutes. Stir in the remaining one cup of flour, a little at a time while mixing, until a soft dough is formed. It may take a little more, or less, flour to get a good soft dough texture.
4. 4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for three to five minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl that has been sprayed with cooking oil.
5. 5. Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel and let it sit in a warm place for about one hour or until doubled in volume.
6. 6. Punch down the dough in the bowl and turn it out onto a lightly foured surface. Knead the dough for two minutes. Shape into a loaf and place in a 1 1/2 quart loaf pan that has been prepared with cooking spray.
7. 7. Cover the dough with a damp dish towel and let sit in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
8. 8. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
9. 9. Place bread dough on center rack and cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and the top of the bread sounds hollow when tapped (some ovens will vary).
10. 10. Loosen edges with spatula and transfer bread to a wire rack until completely cooled.