Italian Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast, sugar and shortening in water.
2. 2
   Stir in 4 cups flour, salt and egg.
3. 3
   Beat until smooth.
4. 4
   Stir in enough of remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
5. 5
   Turn out onto floured surface.
6. 6
   Knead until smooth and elastic.
7. 7
   Put into a greased bowl, turn to coat.
8. 8
   Cover with double thickness of plastic wrap to rise. Punch dough down every 10 minutes for the first hour.
9. 9
   Let rise for 1 hour more or until doubled.
10. 10
    Punch down.
11. 11
    Rest 10 minutes. Divide dough into loaves, 2 large or 4 small.
12. 12
    Place on greased cookie sheets or 9 x 5-inch bread pans.
13. 13
    Slash tops.
14. 14
    Cover and let rise 1 hour.
15. 15
    Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.
16. 16
    Brush warm loaves with melted butter.