White Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
2. 2
   Into a bowl, put 2 cups warm water, sugar, salt, shortening and dissolved yeast.
3. 3
   Add 3 cups flour and beat well.
4. 4
   Gradually add remaining flour to form a smooth soft dough.
5. 5
   Knead dough on a lightly floured board about 10 minutes.
6. 6
   Place in a greased bowl.
7. 7
   Cover and let rise to double in bulk.
8. 8
   Punch down.
9. 9
   Turn out on board and divide in half (for smaller loaves, divide into the number of loaves you plan to bake) and let rest 15 minutes.
10. 10
    Shape into loaves.
11. 11
    Place in greased loaf pans.
12. 12
    Cover with damp towel and let rise to double in bulk.
13. 13
    Bake in preheated oven at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes.