Lenten Bread

Ingredients

• 2 pkg. dry yeast mixed with ¼ cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 8 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2½ cups lukewarm water

Directions

1. Prepare yeast according to directions.
2. Sift flour in a large bowl.
3. Make a well in the middle; add salt, oil and yeast; slowly add the lukewarm water, and begin mixing by hand until flour is used up.
4. Turn out onto floured table and knead for 20 minutes.
5. Dough should be smooth and not stick to hands.
6. Place dough in a greased pan; cover and allow to rise until double in bulk for about 1½ hours in a warm place.
7. Punch down dough, cover and let stand about 15 minutes.
8. Grease loaf pans.
9. Shape dough on floured table to fit pans, ½ full.
10. Cover and and let rise again for 45 minutes.
11. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes; reduce heat to 300°F for 30 to 45 minutes until bread is done and golden in colour.