Jamie's French Bread

Jamie's French Bread

1 pkg ( 2 ½ tsp) yeast
1 TBSP shortening
1 TBSP salt
2 TBSP sugar
1 C boiling water
1 C cold water
5-6 C flour

Dissolve yeast in 1/3 cup water (this is besides the water listed above). Place shortening, salt and sugar in large bowl. Add boiling water. Add the cold water. Blend in yeast. Add flour. Knead until smooth & let rise 1 ½ hours.

Punch down and shape into long loaves (2).
Let rise again until double in bulk - about 1 hour. .Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350. Bake 30 to 40 minutes longer - until loaves are crusty and brown.

From files of Jamie Schaefer