French Onion Bread

Ingredients

• 0.5 ounce yeast dry
• 1 cup water (110° to 115°)
• 5.3 cups flour all-purpose divided
• 4 tablespoons sugar divided
• 0.8 teaspoon salt 
• 1.3 cups water hot (120° to 130°)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix 
• 3 tablespoons shortening 

Equipment

• bowl
• oven
• loaf pan

Directions

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Add 1/2 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt; beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine hot water, soup mix, shortening and remaining sugar. Cool to 115°.
4. Add to yeast mixture with 2 cups flour; mix for 1-2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
5. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. Punch the dough down; divide into thirds. Shape into loaves; place in three greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
8. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.