Basic Traditional White Bread

Dissolve yeast in warm water (105 degrees F.); set aside.

Heat milk, sugar, salt and shortening to 115 degrees F. Stir into yeast mixture. Beat in 2 1/2 cups flour. Stir in enough of remaining flour to make a fairly stiff dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead 10 minutes, slowly add flour a tablespoon at a time, as needed, to prevent sticking.

Place dough in greased bowl, turning to greased surface is on top. Cover with damp towel and let rise in a warm place (such as an oven with a pan of hottest tap water on rack below) for an hour or until doubled in size.

Punch down dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into smooth ball. Cover with damp towel. Let rest for 10 minutes. Flatten to remove air bubbles. Roll into two 14x8\" rectangles.

Roll up tightly (jelly roll fashion) from short side. Seal seam and ends.

Place in 2 greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2\" loaf pans. Let rise in warm place until sides of loaf are even with top of pan.

Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes. Cover with foil last 15 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.

VARIATIONS: Breadsticks - After first rise time, punch down dough. Divide dough in half. Cut each half into 32 pieces; shape each into 8 inch long bread stick. Place on greased cookie sheets. Brush with beaten egg white; sprinkle with sesame seed. Cover; let rise in warm place about 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Bake at 400 degrees F. for about 14 minutes.

Pizza Crust - After first rise time, punch down dough. Divide dough into 4 parts; press each part to cover bottom and sides of greased 12-inch pizza pan. Cover; let rise in warm place about 15 minutes. Top with desired sauce and toppings. Bake at 400 degrees F. for about 25 minutes.

Hamburger Buns - After first rise time, punch down dough. Divide dough in half; shape each half into eight 2-inch balls. If desired, flatten slightly. Place on greased cookie sheets. Let rise in warm place about 30 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees F. for about 15 minutes.