Potato Bread

Instructions

1. Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks. Place in a saucepan and add water to cover 1-inch above the potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are tender. Reserve 1 cup of the potato water and let cool slightly.
2. Drain potatoes well and mash until very smooth, cool slightly. You'll need 1 cup of mashed potatoes.
3. Meanwhile, place the milk in a saucepan and heat just until the milk forms bubbles along the side of the pot or until it reaches 181°F on a thermometer. Allow the milk to cool to 105-110°F (it should be warm but not really hot).
4. Combine the reserved warm potato water (1 cup) with sugar. Sprinkle yeast over top and let sit for 10 minutes or until foamy.
5. In a large bowl or a mixer with a dough hook, combine mashed potatoes, warm milk, melted butter, salt, 4 ½ cups of flour, and the yeast mixture. Mix on medium-low until combined.
6. Continue adding flour, a bit at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl. Allow to knead in the mixer on low until smooth and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
8. Divide dough in half, place each half into a greased (or parchment-lined) 9x5 loaf pan. Allow to rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
9. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F.
10. Bake the bread until golden on top, about 45-55 minutes.