Basque Sheepherder's Bread

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
3 cups hot water
2 packages dry yeast
7 to 7 1/2 cups unbleached flour

In a very large bowl combine butter, sugar, salt and hot water. Stir only until butter is melted. Set aside so ingredients can cool until they are warm. Stir in yeast. Cover and set aside in a warm place until it bubbles, about 10 minutes.

Add 5 cups flour and beat vigorously with a large wooden spoon until batter is smooth. Add more flour (about 2 cups) to form a stiff dough. Knead, with long strokes, for about 10 minutes on a floured board. Add only enough flour to prevent sticking. Place dough in a large greased bowl; cover with a damp dish towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled