Bake some butter-scented homemade bread today. Melted butter added just after coming out of the oven gives this loaf its golden color and adds a bit of crunchiness to the top.

No-Knead Bread

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast or 2 1/2 teaspoons
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
2 teaspoons salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

1. Grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
2. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 10 minutes.
3. Add sugar, shortening, salt and 1 cup flour. Beat on low speed with electric mixer, scraping bowl constantly, for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, for 2 more minutes. Stir in remaining flour; mix until smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place until almost double, 40 to 45 minutes.
4. Stir down the batter by beating about 25 times. Smooth and pat batter into prepared loaf pan. Cover and let rise again until double, about 40 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake bread until browned, about 40 to 45 minutes. Brush top with melted butter; remove loaf from pan and cool on wire rack.

Makes 1 loaf.