2 pkg. active dry yeast
1 1/4 c. warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 c. warm water
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
3 tbsp. shortening
6 to 6 1/2 c. flour
butter, softened

Dissolve yeast in 1 1/4 cups warm water. Stir in 1 cup warm water, the sugar, salt, shortening and 3 1/2 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Mix in remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. Cover; let rise in warm place until double (about 1 hour). Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.