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.