In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in ½ cup warm water add 2 teaspoons sugar and then let stand about 5 minutes.
Add remaining water and sugar. Beat in oil, salt and 4 cups flour until smooth. Stir in enough extra flour to form a soft dough if necessary. Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic; about 6-8 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured board, divide into 18 pieces. Shape into an oval. Place 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheets. With scissors cut a ¼-inch slash across the top of each.
Cover and let rise 20 minutes.
Bake at 400° for 13-18 minutes until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.