1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 c. sugar
2 c. lukewarm water
2 tbsp. vegetable shortening
2 tsp. salt
5 c. flour

I had trouble getting yeast breads to rise in our kitchen until I discovered the heat cycle with a little water on the dish washer.

Mix sugar, yeast and water. Stir until dissolved. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover with plastic and let rise until double. Stir down and let rise again.

Separate into 3 bread pans or form into 2 long loaves in a 9 x 13 inch cake pan. Smooth out dough as much as possible. Let rise 45 minutes to an hour. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Second rising may be omitted if in a hurry but texture will be more coarse.