Basque Sheepherder'S Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 pkg. yeast
3 c. warm water
2/3 c. melted and cooled shortening
1/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. salt
8 or 9 c. flour

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in water; add sugar and salt.
Allow to stand about 10 minutes until bubbly.
Add 4 cups flour; beat well.
Stir in enough remaining flour to make stiff dough.
Knead lightly, place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled.
Punch down, shape into a round ball and place in a 10-inch diameter cast-iron Dutch oven.
Cover with lid and let rise until doubled. Cut into 4 equal pieces and gently form loaves.
Bake in a loaf pan at 375\u00b0 for 45 minutes.
Cover with foil if it starts getting too brown.
Cool on wire rack.