MEDITERRANEAN PITA BREAD

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl soften yeast in warm water.
• Add 2 cups flour, shortening and salt.
• Beat at low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping bowl.
• Beat 3 minutes on medium.
• Stir in as much remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon.
• Turn onto a lightly floured work surface.
• Knead in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough that is smooth and elastic.
• Cover, and let rest in a warm place about 15 minutes.
• Divide into 12 equal portions.
• Roll each piece with floured hands into a smooth ball.
• Cover with a damp cloth, let rest 10 minutes.
• Using fingers, flatten balls.
• Cover, let rest 10 minutes.
• On a well floured surface lightly roll one piece of dough at a time into a circle 6 inches in diameter, turning dough over once.
• Do not puncture or tear dough.
• (Work with enough flour so dough does not stick) Place on baking sheet.
• Bake one sheet at a time, in a 450 F oven about 3 minutes or until dough is puffed and softly set.
• Turn with a spatula, and bake 2 more minutes until dough is light brown.
• Repeat with remaining dough, baking one batch before uncovering and rolling the next.
• To serve, slice bread crosswise and fill the pockets with a filling or cut into wedges and pan fry to a crisp for dipping.