Instructions: In small bowl, combine water, yeast, shortening, sugar, oil and salt. Let stand 5 minutes. Place 2 1/2 cups flour in large mixer bowl. Add liquid mixture.

Beat on low speed of electric mixer or stir by hand until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon.

Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. Cover, let rise in warm place until double, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Punch down; divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.

Roll each piece into a 12 inch long rope. Using three ropes for each loaf, braid and secure ends. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover. Let rise until almost double, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Brush sides and top of loaves with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seed.

Bake in 400-degree oven 25 minutes or until bread tests done and is golden brown. Remove bread from baking sheet; cool on wire rack.

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