Bread




2 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon yeast
2 cups flour

Place all of above in a large bowl and stir well. Let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in bulk.

Add

3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup melted shortening
1 tablespoon sugar
3 - 4 cups flour

Add salt, shortening, and sugar and stir well. Add enough flour so that you can still stir mixture with a spoon. Pour out onto well floured board and kneed in remaining flour until dough is stiff and shiny. Divide out into  1 1/2 to 2  pound portions, place in loaf pans. Place in oven, set temperature to 375F and bake for 45 minutes