Sue Adams' French Bread
Instructions
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Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of hot water, the sugar, salt, melted shortening, and 3 cups of the flour. Add the dissolved yeast. Beat together well.
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Stir in the remaining flour. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Leave the spoon in the batter and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
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Stir the batter again, then let rest again for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process for a total of five times.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead lightly a few times. Divide the dough into two pieces. Press each piece of dough into a 9 x 12 inch rectangle. Roll up into a cylinder. Gash the top diagonally three times with a sharp knife.
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Let rise for 30 minutes.
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Bake at 450° for 30-35 minutes.