Dissolve the Yeast

1. Combine ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
2. Mix: Add the sugar, honey, or sucanat, salt, butter, and half of the flour. Beat for two minutes at medium speed or mix by hand with a wooden spoon for 300 strokes.

Prepare the Dough

3. Add remaining flour: Add the remaining flour and mix in with a wooden spoon. If using whole wheat flour, you may need slightly less than the 3 cups listed.
4. Let it rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Form the Loaf

5. Prepare loaf pan: Stir the batter down with a wooden spoon and spread evenly in a greased 9x5x3 loaf pan. You may need to put some flour on your hands to press the batter into the corners of the pan.
6. Second rise: Cover the loaf pan and allow to rise again in a warm place until the batter reaches about 1/4 inch from the top of the loaf pan, about 30 minutes.

Bake the Bread

7. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
8. Bake: Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. The loaf will sound hollow when tapped.
9. Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and allow to cool on a rack before cutting. If desired, brush the top with melted butter before serving.