French Bread or Sub Buns Recipe

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 c. warm water; set aside. In bowl, combine shortening, sugar, salt, 2 cups warm water and 5 cups sifted flour. Add yeast mixture. Add 1/2 c. flour in at a time, and mix. Let rise 1 hour or until double in size. Rise again 30 to 35 minutes. Let it rise for 10 minutes, then put into loaves. Dip bottoms into cornmeal. With sharp knife put 3 diagonal slits in top. Before cooking, brush tops with 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water mixture. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Makes 3 loaves or 10 to 12 sub buns.