White Bread

By shawnanewton

Tip: to activate yeast well before adding to bread, put the packet of yeast in 1/4 c. lukewarm water to which you've added a Tbsp. of sugar. ~Shawna Nero Newton

Ingredients

• 5 c. unsifted flour
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 3 rounded Tbsp. shortening
• 1 pkg. yeast
• 2 c. lukewarm water

Preparation

Step 1

Put the flour in large mixing bowl. Make a hole in center and put in the salt, sugar and shortening. Add the yeast and pour 2 c. warm water over and knead (if using the tip to activate the yeast, only add 1 3/4 warm water).

Add enough more flour so that mixture is not sticky. Shape round and grease around inside of bowl. Cover and place in warm place until dough triples in size - about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Take out, punch down dough. Extensive kneading is unnecessary - just work out the air bubbles. Shape and place in two greased loaf pans and set back in warm place with towel over pans. Let raise about 1/2 to 3/4 hr. Place in COLD oven. Set oven at 250 for first 15 mins then to 350 for about 50-55 mins.

Warm Place Tip: NEVER put raising dough in a low oven. It kills the yeast. On top of a hot water heater in a closet is good. Anywhere warm and free from drafts. ~S. Newton