GRANDMA EDNA'S QUICK BROWN BREAD

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 c. warm water
• 1 pkg. yeast (1 heaping tbsp.)
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 4 tbsp. shortening
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2-1/2 c. hot water
• 1 c. buttermilk
• 1/4 c. molasses (optional)
• 6 c. whole wheat flour
• 4-1/2 c. sifted white flour (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix yeast in warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar; let stand 10 minutes.
2. Melt shortening. Dissolve 1/4 cup sugar and salt in hot water. Add shortening, buttermilk and molasses. Cool to warm.
3. Stir in yeast and whole wheat flour. Mix until smooth. Work in white flour to make a soft dough (smooth and elastic). Divide into 3 parts.
4. Shape into loaves and put in pans. Cover with damp cloth. Let rise in warm place (free from drafts) until double in bulk.
5. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F. Bake until done, approximately 20 minutes.

YIELD: Three loaves.