Virginia Clise Bread Recipe

In a large bowl stir yeast into 1 cup warm water to dissolve. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar. In a separate large bowl stir salt into 5 cups warm water to dissolve; stir in shortening and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. After yeast foams stir salt mixture into yeast mixture.

Mix in the 1/2 of the flour and then mix in remaining flour 2 cups at a time beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.

Lightly oil a large bowl place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume about 1 hour.

Form the dough into approximately 30 to 40 rounds. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake rolls in preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes or until brown. Serve warm.