Butternut Squash Bread

If there is one thing (ok, maybe several, but I'm talkin about one right now...) that is a vice for me, as far as food is concerned, it would be bread. And I'm not talking about the store bought kind, I don't like it, but the good ole homemade stuff. I am addicted. Honestly, the smell, the contrast of crusty outside and the soft inside, really what ISN'T there to love???? My favorite bread recipe right now is a Butternut Squash recipe I found on Allrecipes.com. This is perfect for me, because I have squash from the garden that needs to be used up. It is suuuuuper easy to make, and I love that it makes three loaves. I have given some to my daycare families, and inlaws, definitely a hit!

Butternut Squash Bread

2 (.25 ounce) pkgs yeast
1/2 C. warm water
1 1/4 C. mashed squash
1 C. warm milk
2 eggs lightly beaten
1/3 C. melted butter
1/3 C. sugar
1 tsp. salt
7 C all-purpose flour

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water, let stand 5 minutes. Add squash, milk, eggs, butter, sugar and salt; mix well. Gradually add 3 1/2 C. flour, beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface 6-8 minutes, or in your mixer with a dough hook 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease both sides, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about one hour. Punch down, shape into three loaves; place in three greased loaf pans and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until tops are golden brown.