Dominican Mastiff Bread

Method

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl (sugar, salt and instant yeast)
2. Mix with a large wooden spoon
3. Add shortening or lard and mix
4. Mix thoroughly with your hand
5. Add warm water and mix the dough until stiff
6. Add more flour so that dough doesn't stick
7. You can add dough onto a floured board to make sure that it's properly kneaded
8. Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes
9. Shape dough into a large round shape and cover to rest for 45 minutes
10. Knead dough again on a lightly floured surface (kneading is the most critical part of this recipe process.
11. Shape dough into your desired bread designs and place on a baking sheet or bread pan
12. Let the breads rest for 25 minutes
13. Preheat oven at 375°F
14. Bake until golden brown
15. Instructions when using active yeast
16. Mix 3½ cups of warm water (115°F to 120°F), yeast and sugar
17. Add a pinch of salt and ½lb of sifted flour to the mixture
18. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon
19. Set in a warm place for approximately one hour
20. Mixture should look foamy with bubbles
21. Sift the rest of the flour in a large bowl
22. Pour yeast mixture into the large bowl over the flour
23. Add shortening or lard and mix
24. Add more flour so that dough doesn't stick
25. You can add dough onto a floured board to make sure that it's properly kneaded
26. Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes
27. Shape dough into a large round shape and cover to rest for 45 minutes
28. Let the breads rest for 25 minutes
29. Preheat oven at 375°F
30. Bake until golden brown