2 pkgs. active dry yeast
2 tbsp. shortening
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
2 1/4 c. warm water
6-7 c. flour
Soft butter

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Stir in 1 3/4 cup water, sugar, salt, shortening and 3 1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Mix in enough flour to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto lightly floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place in large greased bowl, turned greased side up. Cover; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour. Punch down dough, divide in half. Roll each half into rectangle; place seam side down into loaf pan. Brush loaves with butter. Let rise until double about 1 hour. Bake at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until deep golden brown and hollow.

Makes 2 loaves.