Ingredients:
1 package fast rising yeast (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup warm water (not boiling hot)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup boiling water
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and mix in 1 tablespoon sugar. Set aside. In another small bowl, melt shortening in 1/2 cup boiling water. Set aside.
In a mixer with a bowl, add flour, salt and 1/4 cup sugar and mix. Add yeast mixture followed by the shortening mixture. Continue mixing until you have a formed a dough that is not sticking to the bowl. Bring it out into a flourered surface and knead for a few minutes or until you have a round ball. Place the dough back in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place.
Divide the dough into two or four pieces in a floured surface. With a rolling pin, spread each piece into a circular piece. Roll the circular piece and pinch the edge and ends to seal the dough together. Place in a flat baking sheet; cover and let it rest for another 1 hour in a warm place. The dough should rise and double the size.
Bake at 400 degrees F. for 15 to 20 minutes for 4 pieces or 20 to 25 minutes for 2 pieces or until golden brown.
Servings: 2 loaves or 4 loaves.
