1 pkg. yeast

1 1/2 cups hot water, divided

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. shortening

4 cups plain flour

Melted butter

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of hot water. Set aside. Dissolve salt, sugar, and shortening in 1 cup of hot water. Add yeast mixture when water has cooled. Add flour, a little at a time, until all the flour is used. Work through dough with a spoon every 10 minutes about 5 times – 50 minutes. Turn dough on floured surface and divide in half. Shape in two balls and let rise ten minutes. Roll each ball in 9 x 12-inch roll. Seal edges well. Place on baking sheet. Cut or score the top six times cross-wise 1/4 inch apart. Cover with towel and let rise 1 1/2 hours or until dough doubles in size. Brush top with butter. Bake 30-35 minutes at 400 degrees. (This can also be put in warm oven and will rise in half the time.)

Recipe from: Amanda Criss, Slate Spring, Mississippi