Basic Sweet Dough

Directions

1. 1
   Soak yeast in 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes.
2. 2
   Combine milk, sugar and salt in large mixing bowl; stir to dissolve.
3. 3
   Beat in shortening, eggs, yeast mixture and 1 cup flour; mix until smooth. Add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix until dough leaves sides of bowl.
4. 4
   Turn out onto floured board.
5. 5
   Knead until dough becomes smooth, elastic and no longer sticky, using flour as needed.
6. 6
   Place in lightly greased bowl; grease top lightly, cover and let rise in warm place until double in size (1 to 1 1/2 hours for each time you raise it).
7. 7
   Divide into desired shapes and rise and bake.