Nauvoo Bread

My husband and I tried this simple, yet filling bread while touring through historic Nauvoo, Illinois. It reminds me of my pioneer heritage, and the delicious, warm, hand-made joys of a bygone era. I love it with homemade honey butter or boysenberry jam.You will need:

5 cups hot water
1/2 cup potato flakes
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup powdered milk
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup oil or shortening
2 tablespoons yeast
10-14 cups flour

Tie on your apron. In a large bowl, combine hot water, shortening, potato flakes, powdered milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve shortening. When temperature is tepid, add yeast. Mix in 5 cups of flour and the salt. Stir to a smooth sponge. Add flour to make a smooth and elastic dough. Let rise until double, about 45 minutes, punch down and let rise again. Shape into round loaves, let rise. Bake at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes.