French Bread

1 pkg yeast

1 T soft shortening

1 ½ c very warm water

1      T sugar

4   c   sifted flour

melted butter

1 ½ t salt

Sprinkle yeast into ½ c water, stir until dissolved.  In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in remaining water.  All shortening and yeast mixture and mix well.  Add flour and mix.  Work through dough with wooden spoon at 10 min intervals for 5 consecutive times.  Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and divide in half.  Shape into balls.  Let rest for 10 minutes.  Roll each ball into a 12 X 9 rectangle.  Then roll firmly as for jelly roll starting with long side, seal edge.  Place rolls on baking sheet score tip diagonally 6 times.  Cover with towel and let rise 1 ½ hour. Preheat oven to 400°.   Bake for 30 – 35 minutes.  Brush with melted but while warm.