Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl (sugar, salt and instant yeast)

Mix with a large wooden spoon

Add shortening or lard and mix

Mix thoroughly with your hand

Add warm water and mix the dough until stiff

Add more flour so that dough doesn't stick

You can add dough onto a floured board to make sure that it's properly kneaded

Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes

Shape dough into a large round shape and cover to rest for 45 minutes

Knead dough again on a lightly floured surface (kneading is the most critical part of this recipe process.

Shape dough into your desired bread designs and place on a baking sheet or bread pan

Let the breads rest for 25 minutes

Preheat oven at 375°F

Bake until golden brown

Instructions when using active yeast

Mix 3½ cups of warm water (115°F to 120°F), yeast and sugar

Add a pinch of salt and ½lb of sifted flour to the mixture

Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon

Set in a warm place for approximately one hour

Mixture should look foamy with bubbles

Sift the rest of the flour in a large bowl

Pour yeast mixture into the large bowl over the flour

Add shortening or lard and mix

Add more flour so that dough doesn't stick

You can add dough onto a floured board to make sure that it's properly kneaded

Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes

Shape dough into a large round shape and cover to rest for 45 minutes

Let the breads rest for 25 minutes

Preheat oven at 375°F

Bake until golden brown