Mix yeast and warm water in a small bowl and let stand 5 minutes in a warm place.
Add sugar, shortening, salt, dry milk, egg, and 2 cups flour to large mixing bowl. Stir, then add yeast/water. Beat together until smooth.
Gradually add an additional 3-4 cups flour til soft dough is formed. Knead for a few minutes in mixer or by hand.
Place dough in large bowl that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean towel let rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Punch down: divide dough into thirds. Roll out a third of dough into a circle on a floured surface, about 10-12 inches wide; cut into 12 pie-shaped pieces (I use a pizza cutter).
Starting at wide end, roll up each triangular piece into a crescent. Place on greased baking sheet, tucking end point in at the bottom. Repeat with remainder of dough. Let rise til doubled, about 30 minutes or more.
Bake at 400° F for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes and then remove to a cooling rack.
Recipe by Food Fun Family at https://foodfunfamily.com/crescent-rolls/