Basic Bread Recipe

My basic bread recipe (makes one large loaf):

In a small bowl gently combine:
2 cups warm water
1.5 tbsp dry active yeast
2 tbsp brown sugar
let sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy

In a larger bowl:
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
mix together and create a well in the center, when yeast mixture is ready pour into the well and stir gently with your hands until it becomes dough like then start kneading for about five minutes or so. Add more flour or water as necessary, dough should be smooth and elastic and shouldn't stick to your hands too much. I will pour about a tablespoon of olive oil onto my hands before I start kneading too much, it helps keep the dough from sticking to your hands and adds a nice flavor/texture to the bread.

Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes, until doubled in size. Punch down and knead again for about 10 minutes or so. Let rest for a few minutes while getting the pan ready (lightly oiled) then shape the dough as desired, cover with a damp towel again and let rise for another hour or until doubled in size. This is a good time to preheat the oven. Bake at 350 for about 35-40 minutes. Bread will be a nice golden brown color when done and will make a hollow sound when tapped with a knuckle. Remove from pan and let cool before storing. Some people claim you should let bread cool completely before consuming. I think these people are crazy. Bread hot and fresh from the oven is one of the best things on this planet.