Boule Shaped Loaves of Bread: Pan De Horno

Dissolve yeast and salt in warm water and allow it to proof . The mixture should develop foam at the top which looks like the head of a beer . If it doesn't, the yeast is dead and should be discarded. This process takes about 15 minutes. Sift the flour into a large bowl and gradually mix in the lard with your fingers. Then gradually add the yeast mixture and mix until the flour is moistened. Turn onto a floured board and knead into a cohesive mass. Place into a bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel and place in a warm place to allow the dough to rise. This will take 30 to 45 minutes. Punch the dough down, cover with the towel again and let sit in a warm place for another 30 minutes or so to allow to rise again. Note: the dough will not rise as much the second time. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Transfer dough to a floured board and form into 2 or 3 loaves or bars. Place in a greased pan and brush the top of the dough with oil. Bake for 30 to 50 minutes until golden brown. The baked loaves should sound hollow when tapped.