Portuguese Bread

 

·         2 tablespoons sugar

·         3 teaspoons salt

·         6 tablespoons vegetable shortening

·         1 cup boiling water

·         1 package dry yeast

·         1 cup warm water

·         6 cups flour

·         Olive oil

·        

1.   Place sugar, salt and shortening in a bowl. Add boiling water. Cool to lukewarm.

2.   Dissolve yeast in 1 cup lukewarm water. Add to sugar and shortening mixture.

3.   Add 3 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour. Knead the dough.

4.   Grease a bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and put in a warm spot until dough is doubled in size.

5.   Punch down the dough and divide in half. Shape each into a round loaf and put on an oiled cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled. Bake at 400 degrees F until golden.