How to make Very Simple White Loaf

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1. Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Rub in the butter or stir in the oil. Stir in the yeast.
2. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the warm water. Mix together until a soft dough starts to form. This will take a couple of minutes.Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, this can take up to 10 minutes.
3. Shape into a loaf and drop into a lightly greased 900gram (2lb) loaf tin, or shape into a round on a baking tray. To make rolls, divide the dough in to 50grams-75grams pieces, shape into balls and place on a warm baking sheet.
4. Cover the dough with oiled cling film or a damp tea cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes- 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Pre-heat your oven to 230C, 210c Fan/450F/Gas Mark 8.
6. Sprinkle the dough with a little flour to create a crisp, rustic coating on top of the bread. Place in the centre of the pre-heated oven and bake for 15 minutes then reduce the oven temperature to 200c, (180c fan),400F/gas mark 6 and cook for a further 15-20 minutes until the bread is risen and golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
7. For rolls, bake just for 15-20 minutes at 230C, 210 Fan/450F/Gas Mark 8. Turn out the bread and cool on a wire rack.

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