French Bread

This french bread is very, very easy to make and is 100 time better than store bought bread. I make mine into 3 loaves, but if you want extra big loaves, make 2. Enjoy!

French Bread

2 1/2 cups warm water
3-4 T sugar
2 T yeast
1 T salt
5 T oil
6 cups flour (I use 1/2 white/wheat)

In a large bowl, combine sugar and warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, allow to soften (about 8 minutes). Add salt and oil and three cups of flour stirring well with spoon. Add remaining flour stirring until well mixed. This is not as stiff as regular bread but not too thin either. Leave spoon in batter and allow to rest for 10-12 minutes (if house is warm 10, if cold 12). Stir dough down and repeat this process a total of 5 times (so 50 minutes total). If you are short on time 4 times is okay.

Turn onto floured board, knead two or three times and divide into two or three parts. Roll each part into a rectangle. Roll up, pinch edge of loaf to seal. Arrange seam side down on large baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking oil. For more authentic bread, sprinkle pan with corn meal. I don't because it's messier.

With a sharp knife, cut three gashes at an angle on top (not through) of each loaf. Brush entire surface with slightly beaten egg white ( I don't do this very often, but the egg white makes it crustier). You can sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds if you like.

All to rise 30 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.