French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Combine shortening, sugar and salt.
2. 2
   Pour 1 cup boiling water over this mixture, then add 1 cup cold water.
3. 3
   Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
4. 4
   Add to sugar mixture.
5. 5
   Stir in 6 cups of flour or enough to make soft dough.
6. 6
   Knead 5 minutes.
7. 7
   Place in greased bowl and let rise in a warm place 45 minutes.
8. 8
   Punch down and divide into 2 circular loaves.
9. 9
   Place on greased cookie sheet sprinkle with cornmeal.
10. 10
    Sprinkle the loaves with sesame seed. Make 3 slits in each loaf. Let rise 1 hour.
11. 11
    Bake at 400° for 10 minutes, then at 350° for 30 minutes.