Bacon Pepper Bread

Cook bacon, drain and crumble. Reserve 1/3 cup of the grease.

Mix 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, pepper and yeast in a large bowl. Heat the milk, water and bacon grease to very warm (120 to 130 degrees) and add gradually to the dry ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed in an electric mixer. Add the egg and 1 cup of the flour and beat another 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in the crumbled bacon and enough of the remaining 4 cups of flour to make a soft dough.

Turn out on a floured surface and knead for 4 to 5 minutes. Divide in half, shape into 2 loaves and place in 2 greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375F for 30 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when you tap on the top with a knife.

This is terrific for breakfast with eggs!