Bread recipe

4 loaf bread recipe I stumbled upon...

Four Loaf Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

6 ¾ teaspoons yeast (or 3 packages yeast)

¾ cup warm water

½ cup sugar

2 Tablespoons salt

2 cups milk

1 cup shortening (or any type of fat)

1 1/4 cup cold water

2 eggs

10-12 cups flour

Directions:

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl.  Warm milk and shortening in a pan until the butter melts.  Add water to cool to lukewarm.  Add 2 beaten eggs and salt.  In a large bowl have ready 10 cups of flour.  Add milk mixture and yeast.  Mix well, adding enough flour to make a stiff dough.  Knead the dough on a floured board (or table) until smooth and satiny and not sticky.  (It is okay to knead it in the bowl.) Divide dough in half and place in two large greased bowls.  Cover with damp cloths and set bowls in a warm place to rise until doubled.  After it has doubled, punch it down to release the air and allow it to arise a second time. 

Divide dough into four equal parts.  Shape into loaves by pressing flat (with your hands) in a rectangular shape on a floured surface.  Roll into a loaf shape, pressing the edges together.  Place rolls into 4 greased bread pans.  Let rise until doubled again.

Place in oven to bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes.  When bread is baked, it should sound hollow when you tap on the top of the loaves.  Remove from pans immediately and cool on racks.  If desired, rub butter over the top of each loaf.