White Bread

2 pkg active dry yeast
5 to 5 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil or melted shortening
2 cups hot tap water
Melted butter

Measure yeast, 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and oil into large mixing bowl, blending well. Stir in the hot water and beat with spoon until mixture is smooth and satiny.

Slowly add 3 cups more flour, mixing until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Cover and let stand 10 minutes.

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Place dough into greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm place about 1 1/2 hours until doubled.

Punch dough down. Divide into 2 parts. Shape each into a loaf. Place into 2 greased 91/4x51/2 inch bread pans. Let rise again about 1 1/2 hours until doubled.

Bake at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped and are golden in color. Remove pans immediately. Then brush tops with melted butter.