Ingredients

The following ingredients have 30 Servings
  • 1 TBSP shortening
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 TBSP sugar
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/3  cup warm water
  • 1  cup cold water
  • 1 TBSP yeast
  • 5 - 6  cups white all purpose OR bread flour
  • 1 egg

Instruction

  • Place the 1 cup hot water in the microwave for 3 minutes to get it boiling.
  • Dissolve the yeast into the warm water. Stir it around until it is all mixed.
  • Combine the salt, shortening, and sugar in the bottom of your mixer with a fork or use your mixer's whisk attachment. Pour the boiling water over the shortening mixture. Mix slightly to combine.
  • Pour the cold water in next. Then pour in the yeast mixture.
  • Begin to add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the side of your mixer. The dough should be tacky but not sticky.
  • Let the dough mix on high (using the dough hook) for 8 minutes.
  • Let the dough rise in the mixer for about 20 minutes. {This step can actually be skipped if you are in a hurry, but I recommend it as it allows the dough the chance to rest and improves the flavor and texture.}
  • Separate the dough into two parts and place on a large jelly roll pan sprayed with cooking spray. Let the dough sit for about 5 minutes. Letting it sit will make it MUCH easier to shape.
  • Spread the dough out with your hands. Stretch it slightly until you have an oval about 1" in thickness. Roll the dough up into a log shape. Take the ends of the log and fold them into the middle, with the ends touching. Turn the loaf seam-side down onto a greased pan. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Using a sharp knife, quickly cut 3 diagonal slits into the top of each loaf.
  • Whisk egg until frothy. Cover loaves with egg wash, making sure to get in each slit.
  • Place the loaves in a warm 170 degree F oven and let rise for about 15 minutes.
  • Turn the oven up to 400 degrees F and re-set your timer for 15 minutes. {Leave the loaves in while the oven increases in temperature.}
  • Turn the oven down to 350 degrees and turn the pan around in the oven. Bake for another 10-12 minutes, until the loaves are a nice golden brown. If you prefer crustier loaves, mist the outside with water a few times during the final 10 minutes of baking.