French Bread

I have tried quite a few recipes for french bread... and this is my fav! I know a few people that have been waiting patiently for me to post this after having it in my home... here you are!

Grandma Jansen's French Bread
Makes 2 loaves

1 pkg dry yeast
1 1/2 cups very warm water, divided
1 TBSP sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP melted shortening
4 cups flour

Put yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Set aside. Put 1 cup warm water in bowl. Add sugar, salt, and shortening. Add yeast . Add flour all at once. At 10 min. intervals fold from outside to inside with wooden spoon - 5 times. (I usually skip this step!) Roll dough into 2 triangles. Roll each up from long side. Place on greased cookie sheet, floded edge down. slash 6 times on top. Cover with hot, wet dishtowel. Let rise 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 400 30-35 minutes. Grease tops with melted shortening and dab off excess with paper towel.

*I sub olive oil for shortening