Charlene's Recipe

French Bread

Category: Main street

Makes 2 loaves

1 pkg active dry yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp soft shortening or oil
4 cup flour
melted butter or margarine

Sprinkle yeast into 1/2 cup of water; stir until dissolved. In a large bowl dissolve sugar and salt in remaining 1 cup of water. Add shortening and yeast mixture. Mix well. Add flour and mi well. Work through dough with spoon and 10 minute intervals for five consecutive times. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and and divide in half. Shape into 2 balls. Let rest 10 minutes. Roll each ball into a 12x9 inch rectangle. Then roll firmly as for jelly roll, starting the long side. Seal edge. Place rolls on baking sheet. Score top diagonally 6 times. Cover with towel and let rise 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 400 F for 30-35 minutes. Brush with melted butter while warm.