Basic Yeast Dough

1 pk Dry yeast

1 c Warm water (105-115 degrees)

3 tb Sugar

2 tb Shortening

1 Egg

1/2 ts Salt

3 c All-purpose flour; 3 to 3

-1/2 Recipe by: Southern Living

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add sugar, shortening, egg, salt, and half of flour; beat at low speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Place dough in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk, or cover and refrigerate up to 5 days. (If refrigerated, let return to room temperature before proceeding.) Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead 4 or 5 times. Shape and bake as directed for Cloverleaf Rolls, Cheese Crescents, Sesame Buns or Cinnamon Loaf.
-