Baking Bread!

This past weekend I made bread- no breadmaker or stand mixer... all me! I used the bread recipe on the back of the whole wheat flour package, but below is the recipe I used for my french bread (found on cooks.com)


1 pkg. dry yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. soft shortening
4 c. flour

Sprinkle yeast into 1/2 cup of water and stir until dissolved. In large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in 1 cup of water; add shortening and yeast; mix well. Add flour; mix. Work with a spoon 5 times at 10 minute intervals. Divide in half and shape in 2 balls. Let rest for 10 minutes. Roll into 12 x 9 inch roll, as for jelly roll; seal edges. Place on baking sheet, score top by snipping at one inch intervals with scissors. Cover and let rise 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Brush with melted butter while warm.