SIMPLE YEAST BREAD

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 package or 2 1/2 Tsp. dry yeast
• 3 Tbs. sugar
• 2 Tbs. shortening or vegetable oil
• 4 - 5 cups flour
• 2 Tsp. salt

Instructions:

• In a small bowl dissolve 1 Tsp. of sugar in 1/2 cup of warm water, stir in the dry yeast and set to the side. It is important that the water is not too hot as that will kill the yeast, a good gauge is slightly warmer than body temperature.
• In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients and the shortening or vegetable oil. To begin only add 4 cups of flour.
• Add 2 cups water slowly and stir.
• Add the yeast and water mixture and stir in.
• Once all of the water is added stir in as much additional flour as possible.
• Place dough on lightly floured surface and knead in enough additional flour to make the dough moderately stiff, it will somewhat hold its form and is elastic. Form the dough into a single large ball.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and roll the dough in the bowl to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean hand towel and let the dough rise to double the starting size, usually 30-50 minutes.
• Punch the dough down and reshape it into a ball and let it rest for 10-20 minutes.
• The bread dough is now ready for use in the recipe.
• Or form into loaves and bake at 350°.