Perfect White Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in water (110°).
2. 2
   Combine hot milk, sugar, salt and shortening.
3. 3
   Cool to lukewarm.
4. 4
   Stir in 2 cups flour; beat well.
5. 5
   Add yeast mixture; mix well.
6. 6
   Add enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough.
7. 7
   Turn out on a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and satiny (8 to 10 minutes).
8. 8
   Shape dough into a ball; place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface.
9. 9
   Cover and let rise in a warm place until double (1 1/2 hours).
10. 10
    Punch down; let rise again until double (45 minutes).
11. 11
    Cut in 2 portions.
12. 12
    Shape each into a smooth ball. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
13. 13
    Shape in loaves.
14. 14
    Place in 2 greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.
15. 15
    Let rise until double (about 1 hour).
16. 16
    Bake at 400° for 35 minutes or until done.