Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast3 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided2 tablespoons sugar, divided1/4 cup vegetable oil1 tablespoon salt8 to 8-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preparation

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the remaining warm water and sugar. Beat in the oil, salt and 4 cups flour until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 18 pieces. Shape each into an oval. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. With a scissors, cut a 1/4-in.-deep slash across the top of each. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes.

Bake at 400° for 13-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.