Homemade Bread

In a mixing cup or glass, dissolve yeast, 1/2 C. water, and 2 Tbs. of sugar (both water and sugar taken from measurements above). Let work until foamy. (I usually let it double in size.) Put yeast mixture in mixing bowl. Add remaining water, sugar, salt, shortening, and 3 cups flour. Mix. Continue to add flour in 3-cup increments until the dough cleans the bowl. Turn into a lightly floured bowl, and let rest for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a greased counter; knead until it is smooth and blistered, approximately 10 minutes.

Place in a greased bowl, turn once to bring greased side up. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (approximately 2 hours). Punch down (on a greased counter again). Return to bowl, cover and let rise again until it doubles again (approximately 1 hour). Punch down again, and divide into 4 loaves. Place in greased bread pans, cover and let rise until double (approximately another hour). Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 50-55 minutes. Place on racks to cool, and brush tops with shortening or butter when done. This recipe can be halved to make only 2 loaves if desired.

Yield: 4 loaves