Italian Bread

1. 1

   Dissolve yeast, sugar and shortening in water.

2. 2

   Stir in 4 cups flour, salt and egg.

3. 3

   Beat until smooth.

4. 4

   Stir in enough of remaining flour to form a stiff dough.

5. 5

   Turn out onto floured surface.

6. 6

   Knead until smooth and elastic.

7. 7

   Put into a greased bowl, turn to coat.

8. 8

   Cover with double thickness of plastic wrap to rise. Punch dough down every 10 minutes for the first hour.

9. 9

   Let rise for 1 hour more or until doubled.

10. 10

    Punch down.

11. 11

    Rest 10 minutes. Divide dough into loaves, 2 large or 4 small.

12. 12

    Place on greased cookie sheets or 9 x 5-inch bread pans.

13. 13

    Slash tops.

14. 14

    Cover and let rise 1 hour.

15. 15

    Bake at 350u00b0 for 45 minutes.

16. 16

    Brush warm loaves with melted butter.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.