French Bread

Ingredients:
Yield:
2 2 2Servings Size
loaves
Update


loaves
Units: US | Metric
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5 -5 ½ cups bread flour
Directions:
1Dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees) and sugar in large bowl; allow yeast to proof or foam (about 10 minutes).2Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes.3Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.4Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.5Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled.6Punch down and divide in half.7Shape dough into two long slender loaves.8Grease and sprinkle with cornmeal either a french bread pan or large cookie sheet.9Place loaves in pan and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf (I use scissors).10Cover and let rise until doubled.11Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.12Note: You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves during baking if you want a really crunchy crust.