Abby's French Bread Braids

On the advice of her mother in law abby got one essential cookbook. This recipe comes from this book, pillsbury complete cook book.

In a bowl combine 3 cups flour , sugar , salt and yeast , mix well.

In a small sauce pan heat 2 cups water and shortening until very warm.

Add warm mixture to flour mixture , blend on low speed until moistened and then for 3 min on medium speed.

By hand stir in an additional 1 1 / 2 - 2 1 / 4 cups flour to form a stiff dough.

On a floured surface , knead 1 / 4 - 1 / 2 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic , about 8 minute.

Place in a greased bowl , cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and a cloth towel.

Let rise in a warm place until light and doubled in size , about 45-60 min.

Grease a large cookie sheet.

Punch the dough down several times to remove all air bubbles.

Divide the dough in half and then divide each half into 3 equal parts.

Roll each part into a 14 inch rope.

Braid the 3 ropes , sealing the ends.

Place on greased cookie sheet.

Repeat with other dough half.

In a small bowl combine 1 tbsp water and the egg white , beat slightly.

Carefully brush over.

flour, sugar, salt, dry yeast, water, shortening, egg white