Janet's French Bread

2 pkg. (or 2 tablespoons) dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups hot water
3 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons cooking oil or shortening
6 cups flour (unsifted)
1 tablespoon salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Combine hot water, sugar, shortening or oil, salt, and half the flour. Add yeast. Beat well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Mix until stirred. Leave spoon in batter and let rest for 10 minutes. Repeat 5 times and turn onto floured surface. Divide into two loaves. Roll each into a 7x12 inch rectangle and then roll as a jelly roll beginning with long edge. Place on greased cookie sheet with seam side down. Slash 3 times with sharp knife. Brush with egg if desired. Let rise under damp towel for 30 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes.