Fool-Proof French Bread

I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. It is so yummy and really easy to make. I make it when we have spaghetti or manicotti, etc.

1/2 c. warm water
2 Tbsp yeast
2 c. hot water
3 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp salt
1/3 c. melted shortening
6 c. flour

In small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In large mixing bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, shortening and allow to stand until luke-warm. Add dissolved yeast and 3 cups of the flour. Using a wooden spoon, beat until smooth and well blended. Add remaining flour to make a soft dough that can still be mixed with a spoon. Leave spoon in bowl and allow dough to rest 10 minutes.

Stir dough down. Let rest again. Repeat process of stirring dough followed by the 10 min. rest until it has been done a total of five times.

Turn dough out onto floured board and knead only enough to coat dough with flour so it can be handled. Divide dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle 9x12 inches. Roll up jelly-roll style.

Arrange lengthwise on greased cookie sheet, allowing room for both loaves. With a sharp knife, slash top diagonally about three times across each loaf and cover and let raise until double in size, about 30 min to 1 hour.

Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until done. Makes two loaves.