1/2 gallon warm water
1 gallon flour
1/2 c. active dry yeast
1 lb. lard (or shortening)
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar

Combine water, sugar and yeast and let sit for 5 minutes. Work in the rest of the ingredients and knead very well. (Amounts of flour may vary.) Place in a warm place, cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size. Shape into loaves and put in greased pans, put a little lard (butter) on top of loaves also and let rise until double in size again. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately brush all sides of the bread loaves with lard or shortening to prevent dry crusts.

If you wish to freeze some for later, only let cool until bread is cool on the outside but still warm in the inside. Place in plastic bags and freeze.

I use this same recipe for basic sweet dough just by adding a little more sugar and eggs.