WHITE BREAD

Makes 4 loaves

4 cups lukewarm water
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup shortening
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup lukewarm water
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
9-10 cups flour

In a large bowl, combine the water, sugar, salt, shortening and water. Stir to dissolve shortening.
Dissolve sugar in water. Sprinkle yeast over. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Stir briskly with a fork. Add to water mixture. Beat in 5 cups flour, and gradually knead in the remaining flour turning dough onto a floured surface.
Continue kneading 8 to 10 minutes.
Shape dough into a smooth ball and place in a greased in bowl, rotating dough to grease surface.
Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled (about 11/2 hour). Keep in a warm place. Punch down, and shape into 4 loaves. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place in greased 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise again until doubled (about 1 hour).
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.