French Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Sprinkle yeast into 1/2 cup warm water.
2. 2
   In large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in remaining water.
3. 3
   Add shortening and yeast mixture.
4. 4
   Mix well.
5. 5
   Stir in flour and mix well again.
6. 6
   Set in warm place and work through dough with spoon at 10-minute intervals, 5 times.
7. 7
   Divide dough and turn half onto lightly floured board.
8. 8
   Shape into rectangle and roll firmly as for jelly roll.
9. 9
   Seal edge.
10. 10
    Repeat for other half.
11. 11
    Place rolls, sealed side down, on greased baking sheet.
12. 12
    Score tops diagonally 6 times. Cover with towel and let rise 1 1/2 hours.
13. 13
    Bake at 400° for 30 to 35 minutes.
14. 14
    Remove and brush with melted butter.
15. 15
    (Good hard crust with 4 1/2 cups flour.)