Rudy's Italian Bread

Ingredients

•     5 pounds all-purpose flour                                      
•     2 ounces salt (1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons)                          
•     2 ounces sugar                                            
•     2 ounces shortening                                       
•     2 large egg white                                        
•     1-1/2 quarts water                                            
•     3 ounces yeast                                                                                    

Instructions

Step 1: In large mixer bowl, combine 5 cups of all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar and salt, mix well.  In saucepan, heat water and shortening until warm (110 to 120 degree for dry yeast) (80 degree for fresh yeast); the shortening does not need to melt.

Step 2: Add shortening mixture to flour mixture; beat 3 minutes at medium speed.  Add egg whites.  By hand, gradually stir in remaining flour and enough flour to make a firm dough. 

Step 3: Knead on floured surface about 5 minutes. (Dough will be slightly sticky.)  Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.

Step 4: Cover; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour. Punch down dough. Divide into 4 evenly pieces.

Step 5: On lightly floured surface, shape each into a round loaf and place into 8 inch round cake pan. Cover; let rise in warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. 

Step 6: Spray tops of loaves with water and bake at 400 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pan and cool.