maleficent

Portuguese Bread is a crusty, chewey type of bread, more of a sourdough texture, and definitely like a country type bread... real easy to make too
Portuguese bread
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup boiling water
1 package dry yeast
1 cup warm water
6 cups flour
Olive oil
Place sugar, salt and shortening in a bowl. Add boiling water. Cool to lukewarm.
Dissolve yeast in 1 cup lukewarm water. Add to sugar and shortening mixture.
Add 3 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour. Knead the dough.
Grease a bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and put in a warm spot until dough is doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide in half. Shape each into a round loaf and put on an oiled cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled. Bake at 400 degrees F until golden.

__________________