Mixing: 1 Combine all ingredients, mix and knead together—by hand, mixer, or bread machine—to form a smooth, supple dough. 2 Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl or dough-rising bucket. Cover the bowl or bucket and allow the dough to rise till puffy though not necessarily doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
Shaping: 1 Lightly grease a standard (13" x 4" x 4") lidded pain de mie (pullman) pan. Transfer the risen dough to a lightly greased work surface, shape into a log, and fit into the pan. Flatten the top as much as possible. 2 Cover the pan with lightly greased plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise until about 1/2" below the lip of the pan, about 45 minutes.
Baking: 1 Carefully slip the cover onto the pan, and let rest an additional 15 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 25 minutes. 2 Remove the pan from the oven, carefully remove the lid, and return the bread to the oven to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until golden-brown on top and tests done. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will register 190°F. 3 Remove bread from the oven, and turn out of the pan onto a rack to cool completely. For a soft, flavorful crust, brush the loaf with melted butter while warm.