5 to 6 c. flour
1/2 c. warm water
2 pkg. yeast (if not really fresh, add 2 tsp. baking powder)
1 3/4 c. warm water
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
4 tbsp. butter
Cooking oil

Spoon flour into dry measuring cup, level off and pour into a bowl. Measure warm water into a large warm bowl; add yeast and stir until dissolved; add milk, sugar, salt and butter, then stir in 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth, about 1 minute; add 1 cup flour and beat or mix vigorously until smooth. Add enough additional flour to make a soft dough; turn out on lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Cover with a plastic wrap, then a towel; let rest 20 minutes. Punch down, then divide in half; roll each half into a 9x12 inch rectangle and roll into a loaf and place into a greased loaf pan. Brush loaves with oil and place in refrigerator overnight or a warm place in your kitchen until double in size. Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.