Portuguese Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Put the sugar, salt and shortening into a bowl and add the boiling water.
2. 2
   Cool to lukewarm.
3. 3
   Dissolve the yeast in the 1 cup warm water.
4. 4
   Add to the sugar-shortening mixture.
5. 5
   Add 3 cups flour and beat smooth.
6. 6
   Add most of the remaining flour gradually. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding any remaining flour.
7. 7
   Grease a bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it.
8. 8
   Cover with a towel and place it in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Punch the dough down and divide into halves.
9. 9
   Shape each half into a round loaf and place each into an oiled 8-inch round pan.
10. 10
    Cover again and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about another hour.
11. 11
    Bake in a 400° oven until nicely browned.