Sprinkle yeast into 1 1/2 cup of water.
Let stand 10 minutes.
In large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in remaining hot water.
Add shortening and yeast mixture. Mix well.
Add flour and mix well. Cover with towel.
Knead dough down every 10 min. for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, divide dough into 2 balls and let rest for 10 min.
Roll each ball into a 12 x 9 inch rectangle. Then roll firmly as for a jelly roll. Seal edges and place on greased baking sheet. Cut through top of loaf diagonally with scissors about 5 times.
Cover and let rise for l 1/2 hours.
When ready to put in oven, brush top with egg white, if desired.
Bake at 375° for 25 ‑ 30 minutes.