2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 c. molasses
1 tbsp. shortening
1 tbsp. salt
2 tsp. caraway seed
1/2 tsp. ground anise seed
1 1/4 c. hot water
1 c. sifted flour
4-4 1/2 c. flour
2 c. rye flour

Soften yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Set aside. Put next 6 ingredients in bowl and pour 1 1/4 cups hot water over them. Leave set until lukewarm. Then blend in 1 cup sifted flour, beating until smooth. Stir in yeast mixture and mix well.

Add rye flour and beat until very smooth. Add enough white flour to make a soft dough. Let rest 5-10 minutes. Knead. Form into large ball and put in large bowl until doubled in bulk. Punch down once. Let rise again and punch down and divided into 2 portions and shape into balls on baking sheet. Cover and let rise. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.