FAMILY STYLE WHITE BREAD

2 pkgs active dry yeast
5 to 5 1/2 cups bread flour or all purpose flour, divided use
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil or melted shortening
2 cups hot tap water
Melted butter to brush loaves after baking

Measure yeast, 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and oil into large mixing bowl, blending well. Stir in the hot water. 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. Let stand 10 minutes.

Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and satiny 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 bread pans. Let rise again about 1 1/2 hours until doubled.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes or until loaves sound follow when tapped and are golden in color. Remove from pans immediately. Brush tops with melted butter.

VARIATIONS:

RAISIN BREAD:
Stir in 1 cup raisins before shaping into loaves.

CINNAMON LOAF:
To shape, roll dough out to a 14 by 7 inch rectangle. Sprinkle with mixture of 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon. Roll up tightly to make loaf. Let rise. Bake as directed.

Makes 24 slices