Germans from Russia - German White Bread

German White Bread

1 cup milk
¼ cup lard or shortening
¼ cup sugar
½ tsp salt\
½ cup cold water
½ tsp sugar
¼ cup warm water
1 pkg active dry yeast
4 ½-5 cups bread flour

Scald milk. Put the shortening, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the milk and cold water.

Mix the warm water and ½ tsp sugar in another bowl. Add the yeast and let it proof. Add yeast mixture to first mixture.

Stir in 2 ½ cups flour. Using your hands, work in two more cups of flour. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and satiny, adding more flour if needed. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled. Punch down and let rise again.

Preheat oven to 350F. Divide dough into two balls. Let rest five minutes. Shape into loaves and put into greased loaf pans. Let rise until doubled. Bake for 40-45 minutes.