2 packages fast-acting dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 3/4 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5 cups all-purpose flour

Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Warm the milk and melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in it. Stir in the sugar and salt and allow to cool to lukewarm.

Add this to the yeast bowl along with 3 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth with a mixer. Add the remaining flour and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place the dough on a plastic counter and butter the top of the dough with about 2 tablespoons butter. Cover the dough with a very large stainless steel bowl and allow to rise until double in bulk.

Punch down and shape into 2 loaves for large loaf pans. Place in loaf pans, then again brush the top of the dough and allow to rise until double in bulk.

Bake at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes.