Pan Bread with Compressed Yeast Sponge

Ingredients

• 2 pails (8 cups) water
• 5 ounces yeast
• 1 pound salt
• ½ pound sugar
• ½ pound lard

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 pail (4 cups) of water and the yeast to create the sponge. Let it sit at 85°F (29°C) until bubbly.

2. Add the remaining 1 pail (4 cups) of water, salt, sugar, and lard to the sponge. Mix well to form the dough.

3. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, then scale and shape it into loaves.

4. Place the loaves in pans, let them proof until puffy, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden.